This year marks the 100th anniversary of Black History Month, which traces its origins to 1926, when historian Carter G. Woodson established a week to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln (February 12) and Frederick Douglass (February 14). Black History Month was recognized nationally by presidential proclamation in 1976, when Gerald Ford urged Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” It continues to be recognized by a yearly presidential proclamation, including this year.
Black History Month is a time to learn about and honor the achievements and influence of Black scholars, clinicians, innovators, and advocates whose perseverance has helped shape our institution and the medical field. I encourage you to explore the many contributions of Black Americans to healthcare. In 1949, Dr. Robert Gladden became the first Black physician in the United States to be board-certified in Orthopaedic Surgery. Bessie Virginia Blount was among the first Black physical therapists and an inventor and scientist who advanced rehabilitation medicine as the profession took shape during and after World War II. Naomi Wright and Ruth Coleman Denard became the first Black occupational therapists in 1946. Naomi Wright later developed the occupational therapy program at Howard University.
Here in North Carolina, Dr. James Francis Shober became the state’s first Black physician in 1878. Nearly a century later, in 1967, Duke graduated its first Black medical student, Dr. Delano Meriwether. Although Duke Hospital began admitting Black patients in 1930, care was provided in segregated wards until 1965. In 1991, Dr. Norman Anderson launched a pioneering research program at Duke focused on health, behavior, and aging among Black Americans, advancing understanding and improving health outcomes for the communities we serve.
Understanding our history enables us to chart a bright future. Black History Month invites us to listen, learn, and deepen our understanding.
All the best,
Ben