Reflections: Black History Month – William T. Orange

As part of Jackson Health System’s observance of Black History Month, members of our team share their reflections on the important history of the black community at Jackson and in South Florida.

I’ll proudly tell you that my career at Jackson began 24 years ago. And like many of you, so did my life. That’s right. I was born in Jackson Memorial Hospital 49 years ago in 1968. Knowing that so many of my colleagues were born here, saved here, or know someone whose life began or was saved here, is inspirational. It’s that essence that makes Jackson much more than buildings.

I grew up near Jackson Memorial Hospital in Brownsville, a community west of Liberty City that we affectionately called Brown Sub. It was an area with a rich story. Originally settled by white families in the 1920s, it became a thriving community for black professionals.  Sadly, it has gone the way of a number of Miami-Dade County’s communities. Now it’s one of the poorest neighborhoods. For years, a vicious cycle of drugs, violence, and homelessness destroyed many residents of Brownsville. However, I found the strength to persevere thanks to my faith, and my wife of 32 years, Kimberly.

I met her my junior year of high school in 1985. It was a cool Monday morning when I first laid eyes on her. I was skipping my sixth period woodshop class in Miami Springs Senior High when I was blown away by her beauty. Something deep down in my soul told me she was the one for me – so I didn’t hesitate.  Just 10 days after meeting her, I timidly asked her to be my girlfriend. Kimberly graduated in 1985, followed by me a year later.

At the time, most people told me it was simply teenage love and nothing more. But 32 years later, I beg to differ. Kim and I married in 1994, and have a beautiful daughter together. We have overcome almost every difficulty in life since that winter day in 1985, and have never let any challenge diminish the love we have for one another.

It’s that love and support from my family and faith that inspired me to sing gospel – something I have proudly continued to do since 1990. I started a gospel group called “Second Chapter,” and after 27 years together, they are like a second family. My faith showed me the way to a better world. It gave me answers I looked for, and inspired me to reach out to others. I wanted to preach and tell my story, so I became an ordained deacon. Giving back and helping fellow brothers and sisters live a prosperous and healthy life gives me purpose, and my work at Jackson – and with the union – the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, AFSCME Local 1363 – has been humbling and rewarding.

Jackson’s mission encourages me to do my very best and help deliver our promise to our patients – because no one gets turned away. I take pride in knowing that I work for one of the nation’s largest medical institutions that has profoundly cared for its community for nearly a century.

William T. Orange
Nutrition Services
Jackson Health System