African American History Month
African American History Month, also known as Black History Month, is celebrated during the month of February in the United States and other countries. It's a way to recognize and appreciate the contribution of African Americans to society and culture. It was created in 1926 by African American historian Carter G. Woodson to highlight the importance of African American culture and its legacy.
In medicine, the history of African Americans in the United States is long and complicated, but they have overcome discrimination and inequality. They have made important contributions in the field of medicine and have improved medical care for all.
During slavery, African slaves were used as cheap labor to care for the sick and assist white doctors in their tasks. Many slaves were known for their healing abilities and for using traditional African remedies to treat the sick.
After the abolition of slavery, African Americans faced difficulties in accessing medical education and practicing as doctors due to racial discrimination and segregation. However, throughout the 20th century, significant advances were made to improve representation and medical care for African Americans.
In the 60s and 70s, training programs and scholarships emerged to promote diversity in medicine and help young African Americans enter the field. Additionally, the creation of community clinics and healthcare programs in areas populated by African Americans helped to improve #medical care in these communities.
Today, there are still challenges to equitable healthcare for African Americans, but the advances and contributions of African Americans in medicine have been crucial in improving the health of the general population. African American doctors and scientists continue to lead research and innovation in the field of medicine and are working to ensure that all people have access to quality healthcare.
There are many African Americans who have made important contributions in the field of health in the United States. Here are some of the most recognized:
Dr. Charles R. Drew: a physician and scientist who developed revolutionary techniques for blood preservation and established the first black blood bank in America.
Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler: a physician and the first African American to graduate from a medical program in the United States.
Dr. Louis T. Wright: a surgeon and civil rights activist who advocated for equality in access to medical care and the elimination of discrimination in medical practice.
Dr. Ralph Bunche: a politician and diplomat who received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1950 for his work in resolving international conflicts. He is also known for his work in the field of public health and the fight against tuberculosis.
Dr. Mae C. Jemison: an astronaut and physician who became the first African American to travel into space in 1992.
Dr. Camara Jones: an epidemiologist and president of the National Association of Public Health and Environmental who has worked in promoting social justice and equity in health care.
Dr. Harold Freeman: an oncologist and founder of the National Cancer Institute's National Cancer Program who has worked in eliminating disparities in access to oncological care.
Mary Eliza Mahoney: she was the first black nurse in the United States and a defender of nurse's rights. In 1879, she graduated from the New England Hospital for Women and Children and dedicated her career to improving working conditions and education for nurses.
Black History Month is celebrated to honor and recognize the history and contributions of African Americans to society, and to promote inclusion and diversity in general.
References:
González, C. (2022, February 4). Mes de la historia negra: ¿Desde cuándo se celebra y por qué? Diario AS. Retrieved February 12, 2023, from https://us.as.com/us/2022/02/05/actualidad/1644018623_789614.html
Boatner, K. (2023, February 1). Black history month. History. Retrieved February 12, 2023, from https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/black-history-month
Blakemore, E. (2023, February 6). Why February is Black History month. History. Retrieved February 12, 2023, from https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/courageous-historian-fought-make-black-history-month
References for prominent figures:
Dr. Charles R. Drew
Charles Richard Drew. American Chemical Society. (n.d.). Retrieved February 12, 2023, from https://www.acs.org/education/whatischemistry/african-americans-in-sciences/charles-richard-drew.html
Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler
U.S. Department of the Interior. (n.d.). Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler (U.S. National Park Service). National Parks Service. Retrieved February 12, 2023, from https://www.nps.gov/people/dr-rebecca-lee-crumpler.htm
Dr. Louis T. Wright
Louis Tompkins Wright, MD, FACS, 1891-1952. ACS. (n.d.). Retrieved February 12, 2023, from https://www.facs.org/about-acs/archives/past-highlights/wrighthighlight/
Dr. Ralph Bunche
The nobel peace prize 1950. NobelPrize.org. (n.d.). Retrieved February 12, 2023, from https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/peace/1950/bunche/biographical/
Dr. Mae C. Jemison
NASA. (n.d.). Dr. Mae Jemison. NASA. Retrieved February 12, 2023, from https://starchild.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/StarChild_Spanish/docs/StarChild/whos_who_level2/jemison.html
Dr. Camara Jones
Camara Phyllis Jones, M.D., M.P.H., ph.D.. . Morehouse School of Medicine. (n.d.). Retrieved February 12, 2023, from https://www.msm.edu/about_us/FacultyDirectory/CommunityHealthPreventiveMedicine/CamaraJones/index.php
Dr. Harold Freeman
Dr. Harold Freeman's biography. The HistoryMakers. (n.d.). Retrieved February 12, 2023, from https://www.thehistorymakers.org/biography/dr-harold-freeman-42
Mary Eliza Mahoney
Dr. Kelly A. Spring | 2017. (n.d.). Biography: Mary Eliza Mahoney. Retrieved February 12, 2023, from https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/mary-mahoney
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