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A monumental figure in American history, Dr. James McCune Smith achieved what was once considered impossible and became the first African American to earn a medical degree. He not only broke racial barriers in medicine but also significantly contributed to the abolitionist movement through his relentless pursuit of education and equality.
Born into slavery on April 18, 1813, in New York City, Smith was emancipated as a young child under New York's gradual abolition law. He achieved academic excellence at the African Free School No. 2 in Lower Manhattan, an institution dedicated to educating free and enslaved African American children. It was his education here that laid the foundation for his future endeavors.
Although Smith had outstanding abilities, he struggled to find higher education in the United States due to racial discrimination. Instead, he was accepted to the University of Glasgow in Scotland, and by the age of 24, he earned his bachelor's, master's, and medical degrees, graduating at the top of his class in 1837.
Upon returning to New York City, Dr. Smith established his medical practice and became the first African American to run a pharmacy in the United States. Despite his history with racial discrimination, Smith ensured that he served both Black and white patients, as he was committed to accessible healthcare for all.
In 1846, he was appointed medical director of the New York City Colored Orphan Asylum. In the almost 20 years he worked there, Smith implemented rigorous health protocols, including regular smallpox vaccinations, that significantly improved the health and well-being of the children under his care.
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In addition to his medical achievements, Dr. Smith was a passionate abolitionist and intellectual. In 1843, he delivered a series of lectures titled "Comparative Anatomy and Physiology of the Races," which debunked pseudoscientific claims that supported racial inferiority theories.
A prolific writer, Smith also contributed articles to medical journals and abolitionist publications. He collaborated with Frederick Douglass and was instrumental in founding the National Council of Colored People in 1853, the first permanent national organization for Black Americans.
Dr. James McCune Smith went beyond shattering racial barriers in medicine; he used his platform to advocate for the abolition of slavery and the advancement of African Americans.
His story serves as an enduring inspiration, highlighting the impact of resilience and intellect in the pursuit of equality and justice.
Disclaimer about "overeating": Within Health hesitatingly uses the word "overeating" because it is the term currently associated with this condition in society, however, we believe it inherently overlooks the various psychological aspects of this condition which are often interconnected with internalized diet culture, and a restrictive mindset about food. For the remainder of this piece, we will therefore be putting "overeating" in quotations to recognize that the diagnosis itself pathologizes behavior that is potentially hardwired and adaptive to a restrictive mindset.
Disclaimer about weight loss drugs: Within does not endorse the use of any weight loss drug or behavior and seeks to provide education on the insidious nature of diet culture. We understand the complex nature of disordered eating and eating disorders and strongly encourage anyone engaging in these behaviors to reach out for help as soon as possible. No statement should be taken as healthcare advice. All healthcare decisions should be made with your individual healthcare provider.
