Celebrating Black History Month

Updated in 1/19/2024.

February 1 marks the start of National Black History Month, which this year focuses on "Black Health and Wellness" — a theme identifying the legacy of Black health: doctors, nurses, researchers, midwives, and other medical and wellness practitioners.

The 2022 theme also acknowledges the activities, rituals, and initiatives that Black communities have done to be physically, mentally, and emotionally well.

The Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association honors the many multi-faceted contributions made by Black Americans. We are an association that promotes diversity, equality, and inclusion no matter the color of your skin.

National Black History Month serves as both a celebration and a powerful reminder that Black history is American history, Black culture is American culture, and Black stories are essential to the ongoing story of America. Join us as we celebrate the rich heritage of the Black community.

Notable figures in Black Medicine:

• Vivien Thomas

  • Vivien Thomas, an American laboratory supervisor, defied the odds by developing a groundbreaking procedure to treat blue baby syndrome in the 1940s. Despite lacking formal education beyond high school, Thomas served as the supervisor of surgical laboratories at Johns Hopkins for an impressive 35 years. His journey, marked by resilience against poverty and racism, solidified his legacy as a pioneer in cardiac surgery.

• James Durham

  • Born into slavery in 1762, James Durham made history as the first Black person to work as a doctor in America. While he never held a formal medical degree, Durham's owners, who were physicians, imparted their knowledge to him. His success extended to running a thriving practice in New Orleans, where he played a crucial role in assisting victims of yellow fever.

• Dr. James McCune Smith

  • Born in 1813, James McCune Smith faced racial barriers preventing him from earning his medical degree in the U.S. Undeterred, he pursued his education in Glasgow, Scotland, obtaining a medical degree. Smith returned to New York, working alongside abolitionist Frederick Douglass to advocate for the end of slavery, showcasing his commitment to both medicine and social justice.

• Dr. Daniel Hale Williams

  • In 1893, Dr. Daniel Hale Williams established Provident Hospital, the first medical facility with an interracial staff and patients. Beyond being a healthcare business pioneer, Williams is recognized as one of the first surgeons to achieve a successful open-heart outcome, leaving an indelible mark on the field of medicine.

• Dr. Alexa Irene Canady

  • Overcoming a "crisis of confidence," Dr. Alexa Irene Canady became the first female African-American neurosurgeon in the U.S. She earned a scholarship to the University of Michigan Medical School, graduating cum laude. Canady's achievements shattered barriers, paving the way for diversity and excellence in neurosurgery.

• Dr. Patricia Bath

  • A trailblazer in ophthalmology, Patricia Bath holds the distinction of being the first black female physician to earn a medical invention patent for a device and technique used in cataract surgery. Her historic achievements also include becoming the first woman to chair an ophthalmology residency program in the U.S. in 1983.

• Charles Richard Drew

  • Charles Drew revolutionized medicine during World War II by pioneering the use and preservation of blood plasma, saving countless lives. His contributions extended to the civilian sector, laying the foundation for the modern blood banking system and making blood transfusions a routine and life-saving medical practice.

• Dr. Myra Adele Logan 

  • Dr. Myra Adele Logan made history in 1943 as the first woman to perform open-heart surgery. Beyond her surgical achievements, she contributed significantly to antibiotic development, breast cancer detection and treatment, and advancements in the X-ray process. A classically trained pianist, Logan's impact transcended the operating room.

• Dr. Robert Fulton Boyd

  • In 1895, Dr. Robert Fulton Boyd co-founded the National Medical Association, advocating for the representation of U.S. African American doctors and medical professionals. Serving as the first NMA president, Boyd played a pivotal role in ensuring that black physicians had a voice in shaping medical policy and clinical expertise.

• Marie Maynard Daly 

  • Marie Maynard Daly overcame racial and gender bias to conduct vital studies on cholesterol, sugars, and proteins. Committed to increasing minority enrollment in medical school and graduate science programs, Daly's research and advocacy left an enduring impact on both scientific knowledge and diversity in academia. 

• Dr. Dorothy Lavinia Brown

  • Dr. Dorothy Lavinia Brown, the first female surgeon of African American ancestry from the southeastern United States, overcame challenges to become a prominent figure in surgery. Graduating from Meharry Medical College, she not only served as a surgeon at Nashville’s Riverside Hospital but also broke new ground as the first African American woman granted the right to become an adoptive parent. 

• Dr. Eliza Ann Grier

  • Dr. Eliza Ann Grier, an emancipated slave, became the first African American woman licensed to practice medicine in the state of Georgia. Her remarkable journey involved alternating years of medical school with cotton picking to pay tuition. Specializing in obstetrics and gynecology, Dr. Grier paved the way for future generations of black female physicians. 

• Mary Eliza Mahoney

  • Mary Eliza Mahoney holds the distinction of being the first black professional nurse in the United States. An advocate for African American nurses, she co-founded the National Association of Colored Graduate Nurses, addressing racial discrimination in nursing and leaving a lasting impact on the nursing profession.

Embracing Black History and Medical Legacy

As we conclude our tribute to Black History Month, we celebrate the extraordinary contributions of Black individuals in the field of medicine. From trailblazing surgeons to visionary leaders, these figures have left an indelible mark on healthcare.

Their stories inspire us to continue promoting diversity, equality, and inclusion. Remember, Black history is American history, and recognizing these achievements is an essential part of our collective narrative.

Join us in honoring and preserving the rich heritage of the Black community, not just this month, but every day.

“Black history isn’t a separate history. This is all of our history, this is American history, and we need to understand that. It has such an impact on kids and their values and how they view black people.” 

—Karyn Parson, actress, author, and comedian