Diversity & Community Health Equity

UI Health Honors Caribbean American Heritage Month

From Culture to Healing

Caribbean music reflects a deep history of migration, identity, creativity, and community strength. From reggae and calypso to soca, kompa, salsa, merengue, steelpan, and Afro-Caribbean drumming traditions, music across the region carries stories of resilience, celebration, and belonging.

Healing Through Rhythm will feature a moderated discussion focused on the healthcare benefits of music therapy, including its impact on stress reduction, emotional regulation, memory, rehabilitation, communication, and patient-centered care. The conversation will also highlight the importance of culturally familiar music in building trust, comfort, and connection with patients and families.

Following the discussion, attendees will participate in an interactive “Journey Through the Caribbean” map experience featuring cultural fun facts, island highlights, and music representing different Caribbean communities.

Attendees Will:

• Learn how music therapy can support patient wellbeing across healthcare settings
• Explore how rhythm, sound, and familiar music can influence stress, memory, mood, and connection
• Gain insight into the diversity of Caribbean music traditions and their cultural significance
• Reflect on how culturally responsive care can include music, identity, and emotional connection
• Participate in an interactive Caribbean map experience featuring music and cultural education

Healing Through Rhythm: Caribbean Music, Culture, and Wellness in Healthcare

• Date: June 25, 2026
• Time: 11:30 am – 1:30 pm (CT)
• Location: Hospital Room 1310 or Online via Zoom
• Register today!

Panel & Cultural Experience Focus Areas

Join healthcare and cultural subject matter experts for a discussion followed by an interactive Caribbean music and map experience that explores:

Music Therapy in Healthcare

How music therapy supports emotional wellbeing, stress reduction, rehabilitation, memory recall, communication, and patient engagement.

Culture, Identity & Patient Connection

How culturally familiar music can help patients and families feel seen, supported, and connected in healthcare spaces.

Rhythm, Stress & the Nervous System

How sound, rhythm, and movement can support relaxation, emotional regulation, and overall wellness.

The Diversity of Caribbean Music Traditions

Exploring the meaning and influence of musical styles across Caribbean communities, including reggae, soca, calypso, kompa, salsa, merengue, steelpan, and more.

Music, Resilience & Collective Healing

How Caribbean communities have used music as a form of storytelling, resistance, celebration, spirituality, and healing.

This session moves beyond cultural awareness toward connection, wellbeing, and patient-centered care. Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of how music can support healing while honoring the diversity of Caribbean identities and traditions.

Event Flow

• 1:30 – 11:50 am: Arrival & Caribbean Music Playlist
• 11:50 am – Noon: Welcome
• Noon – 12:50 pm: Panel Discussion and Q&A
• 12:50 – 1:30 pm: Interactive “Journey Through the Caribbean” Map Experience
• Lunch will be provided

At UI Health, we are committed to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive care for our patients, staff, and community. We invite staff, clinicians, students, and community partners to join us in honoring Caribbean American Heritage Month through music, culture, healing, and connection..

For additional information or to get involved:
Office of Diversity and Community Health Equity
UIHDiversity@uic.edu

Visit: ODCHE.UIHealth.Care