Honoring Black History Month
This February we are honoring Black History Month by highlighting black pioneers in physical and mental healthcare. The history and contributions of many Black Americans has been long overlooked. The following list consists of individuals who broke barriers and went on to improve the way we think about physical and/or mental health.
Herman George Canady, Ph.D.
Herman George Canady was a notable Black clinical and social psychologist. He is most known for being the first psychologist to study how the race of a test proctor may create a bias in IQ testing. His studies paved the way for adequate and fair testing environments today.
James McCune Smith, MD
James McCune Smith was the first Black American to receive a medical degree. He obtained his degree at the University of Glasgow Medical School in Scotland, as U.S. admission systems turned him away due to his race. He went on to be the first Black individual to own and operate a pharmacy in the United States. He was also a published author.
E. Kitch Childs, Ph.D.
Ellen Kitch Childs was an American clinical psychologist and a LGBTQ+ activist. She is known for her vital role in the women’s liberation movement in the U.S., as well as being an advocate for minority women and LGBTQ+ individuals.
Charles Richard Drew, MD
Charles Richard Drew was a medical researcher and surgeon. He is best known for developing improved techniques for blood storage, as well as developing large-scale blood banks early in World War II.
M. Joycelyn Elders, M.D.
Joycelyn Elders was the fifteenth Surgeon General of the United States. She was the first African American and second woman to head the U.S. Public Health Service.
Francis Cecil Sumner, Ph.D.
Francis Sumner was the first African American to receive a Ph.D. degree in psychology, and is often referred to as “Father of Black Psychology.” He was also a strong advocate for educational justice.
Learn More
- To learn more about Black History Month, the following resources are suggested:
- ASALH: https://asalh.org/
- Black History Month:https://blackhistorymonth.gov/
- History: https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/black-history-month
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