Today In Black History
The History of Meharry Medical College: Black History Facts You Should Know!
Issue #437 Black History Wednesday, December 13, 2023
Welcome to this Today in Black History post. Black History IS American History, no matter how hard some people try to erase our history and contributions.
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Today’s Black WOW!
Meharry Medical College, located in Nashville, Tennessee, was officially founded with a mission to train African-American physicians who could then serve their communities and improve healthcare services for people of color. The college faced numerous challenges, including limited resources, discriminatory practices, and racial tensions prevalent in the era of segregation, yet Meharry Medical College persevered and played a pivotal role in training and nurturing generations of Black doctors, nurses, and dentists. The college provided a safe and supportive environment for its students, fostering their development both academically and as advocates for social justice.
Many of today’s HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) were originally set up by white benefactors in the latter part of the 19th century, and Meharry Medical College is no different. Samuel Meharry, a Scottish-Irish immigrant, settled in America during the 19th century. He later amassed a fortune through various business ventures, including land speculation and agriculture. He was deeply disturbed by the lack of medical care available to African Americans so he decided to donate a portion of his wealth to establish a medical school specifically for Black students.
Over its almost 150-year history, Meharry Medical College has expanded its curriculum to cover various medical disciplines and has diversified its programs to address the specific healthcare needs of underserved communities. The college has established partnerships with other institutions, enabling students to gain exposure to different healthcare settings.
Meharry Medical College has also expanded its research programs, enhancing its contributions to medical advancements and the understanding of health disparities, nationally and globally.
Today, Meharry Medical College continues to be at the forefront of medical education and research focused on addressing health disparities and social determinants of health. Its graduates can be found in various leadership positions within the healthcare industry, advocating for equitable healthcare access and promoting health equity for all.
Today In Black History
- In 1944, the first African American women completed officer training for the WAVES (Women’s Auxiliary Volunteers for Emergency Service) after being admitted to the corps two months prior.
- In 1957, Daniel A. Chapman became Ghana’s first Ambassador to the United States.
- In 1990, South African President F.W. de Klerk met with Nelson Mandela to discuss the end of apartheid.
- In 1996, Kofi Annan of Ghana was elected as Secretary-General of the United Nations.
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