👸🏿History of Black Women in America Unit 11 – Black Women in Science & Medicine

Historical Context

• Black women have faced systemic racism, sexism, and discrimination in the United States, limiting their access to education and professional opportunities
• Despite these barriers, many Black women have made significant contributions to science and medicine throughout history
• Early Black women in science and medicine often had to navigate segregated educational institutions and medical facilities
• The Civil Rights Movement and subsequent legislation helped to break down some of the legal barriers to education and employment for Black women
• The legacy of slavery and Jim Crow laws continued to impact Black women's access to resources and opportunities in science and medicine well into the 20th century
• Black women's contributions to science and medicine have often been overlooked or undervalued by mainstream historical narratives
• The intersection of race and gender has shaped the unique experiences and challenges faced by Black women in science and medicine

Pioneering Figures

• Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler (1831-1895) was the first Black woman to earn a medical degree in the United States, graduating from New England Female Medical College in 1864
  • She worked to provide medical care to formerly enslaved people and wrote a book on medical discourses
• Dr. Mary Eliza Mahoney (1845-1926) was the first Black woman to graduate from an American nursing school, earning her degree from the New England Hospital for Women and Children in 1879
  • She co-founded the National Association of Colored Graduate Nurses (NACGN) in 1908
• Dr. Myra Adele Logan (1908-1977) was the first woman to perform open-heart surgery in the United States and researched antibiotics and breast cancer
• Dr. Jane Cooke Wright (1919-2013) was a pioneering cancer researcher who developed chemotherapy techniques and worked to improve patient care
  • She was appointed head of the Cancer Research Foundation at Harlem Hospital in 1955
• Dr. Marilyn Hughes Gaston (1939-present) was the first Black woman to direct a Public Health Service bureau, focusing on sickle cell disease research and newborn screening programs
• Dr. Mae Jemison (1956-present) became the first Black woman to travel into space as a NASA astronaut in 1992, and later founded a company to advance technology in developing countries

Barriers and Challenges

• Racism and sexism created significant obstacles for Black women pursuing careers in science and medicine, limiting their access to education, funding, and professional networks
• Segregated educational institutions and medical facilities often provided inferior resources and training compared to those available to white students and professionals
• Black women faced discrimination in admissions to medical schools and other scientific institutions, with many schools implementing quotas or outright bans on Black students
• Even after gaining admission, Black women often experienced harassment, isolation, and lack of support from faculty and peers
• Limited access to funding and research opportunities hindered Black women's ability to advance their careers and make significant contributions to their fields
• Black women were often excluded from professional organizations and scientific societies, denying them access to important networks and resources
• Stereotypes and biases about Black women's intelligence and capabilities persisted, leading to the undervaluation and dismissal of their work and achievements

Key Contributions and Discoveries

• Dr. Marie M. Daly (1921-2003) was the first Black woman to earn a Ph.D. in chemistry in the United States, and her research focused on the biochemistry of histones and protein synthesis
• Dr. Jewel Plummer Cobb (1924-2017) conducted groundbreaking research on the effects of chemotherapy drugs on cancer cells and worked to increase diversity in science and medicine
• Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson (1946-present) was the first Black woman to earn a Ph.D. from MIT and conducted research in theoretical physics, focusing on subatomic particles
  • She later served as the chair of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission and president of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
• Dr. Patricia Bath (1942-2019) invented a new technique for cataract surgery called laserphaco, which has helped to restore vision for millions of patients
  • She was also the first Black woman to complete a residency in ophthalmology and the first woman to chair an ophthalmology residency program in the United States
• Dr. Alexa Canady (1950-present) became the first Black woman neurosurgeon in the United States and specialized in pediatric neurosurgery, developing new techniques for treating hydrocephalus and other brain conditions
• Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett (1986-present) played a key role in developing the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine as a viral immunologist at the National Institutes of Health

Education and Training

• Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) played a crucial role in providing educational opportunities for Black women in science and medicine when other institutions excluded them
  • Notable HBCUs with strong programs in science and medicine include Howard University, Meharry Medical College, and Spelman College
• Segregated medical schools, such as the Medical College of the University of West Tennessee and the Leonard Medical School of Shaw University, trained many early Black women physicians
• The Flexner Report of 1910, which called for the reform of medical education, led to the closure of many Black medical schools and further limited educational opportunities for Black women
• Mentorship and support from other Black women in science and medicine were critical for many pioneers, who often had to navigate hostile and isolating educational environments
• Black women's organizations, such as the National Association of Colored Women's Clubs and the National Medical Association, provided networking opportunities and advocated for greater access to education and professional development
• Many Black women pursued advanced degrees in science and medicine abroad, particularly in Europe, where they found more welcoming educational environments and research opportunities

Institutional Support and Obstacles

• Historically Black hospitals and medical facilities, such as the Provident Hospital in Chicago and the Freedmen's Hospital in Washington, D.C., provided important training grounds and employment opportunities for Black women in healthcare
• The National Medical Association, founded in 1895, served as a professional organization for Black physicians and advocated for greater inclusion and equity in the medical field
• The National Association of Colored Graduate Nurses, founded in 1908, supported the professional development of Black nurses and worked to combat discrimination in the nursing profession
• Despite these support systems, Black women often faced discrimination and limited opportunities for advancement within mainstream scientific and medical institutions
• Many Black women scientists and physicians were relegated to underfunded and understaffed research facilities and hospitals that primarily served Black communities
• The lack of institutional support and resources made it difficult for Black women to conduct cutting-edge research and advance their careers in science and medicine
• Philanthropic organizations, such as the Rockefeller Foundation and the Julius Rosenwald Fund, provided some financial support for Black women's education and research, but this support was often limited and conditional

Impact on Healthcare and Research

• Black women's contributions to science and medicine have helped to improve healthcare outcomes and advance scientific knowledge in numerous fields
• Dr. Dorothy Boulding Ferebee (1898-1980) worked to provide healthcare services to underserved communities and advocated for greater access to medical care for Black Americans
  • She served as the president of the National Council of Negro Women and director of the Mississippi Health Project
• Dr. Marilyn Hughes Gaston's research on sickle cell disease led to the development of newborn screening programs and improved treatment options for patients
• Dr. Jane Cooke Wright's pioneering work in chemotherapy helped to establish cancer research as a specialized field and improved patient outcomes
• Dr. Alexa Canady's innovations in pediatric neurosurgery have saved countless lives and advanced the field of neurosurgery
• Black women's research has also helped to shed light on health disparities and the impact of racism on health outcomes, leading to greater awareness and efforts to address these inequities
• The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the ongoing importance of Black women's contributions to public health and vaccine development, as exemplified by Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett's work on the Moderna vaccine

Legacy and Ongoing Influence

• The pioneering work of early Black women in science and medicine paved the way for future generations of Black women to enter and excel in these fields
• Organizations such as the National Society of Black Engineers, the National Black Nurses Association, and the Association of Black Women Physicians continue to provide support and advocacy for Black women in science and medicine
• The legacies of trailblazers like Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler, Dr. Mary Eliza Mahoney, and Dr. Jane Cooke Wright continue to inspire and motivate Black women to pursue careers in science and medicine
• Many contemporary Black women scientists and physicians, such as Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, Dr. Hadiyah-Nicole Green, and Dr. Ayanna Howard, are building upon the foundations laid by their predecessors and making groundbreaking contributions to their fields
• Despite progress, Black women remain underrepresented in many areas of science and medicine, particularly in leadership positions and among recipients of research funding
• Ongoing efforts to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion in science and medicine are critical for ensuring that Black women's talents and contributions are fully recognized and supported
• The legacy of Black women in science and medicine underscores the importance of diversity in these fields and the need to continue breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for underrepresented groups