Today In Black History: Dr. Alexa Canady
The first Black woman neurosurgeon in the United States
Issue #816 Today In Black History, Monday, March 3, 2025
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Dr. Alexa Irene Canady was born in Lansing, Michigan, on November 7, 1950. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan and her medical degree from the University of Michigan Medical School. While in college, Dr. Canady pledged my sorority, Delta Sigma Theta, Inc.
In 1981, she completed her residency in neurosurgery at the University of Minnesota.
Dr. Canady served as Chief of Neurosurgery at the Children's Hospital of Michigan from 1987 until her retirement in 2001. She was instrumental in advancing the field of pediatric neurosurgery, focusing on congenital anomalies, hydrocephalus, and trauma in children.
Through her leadership and outreach, Dr. Canady demonstrated the power of diversity within the medical field and challenged institutions to support inclusivity and equal opportunity. She was committed to mentoring and advocating for young African American women in the sciences.
Dr. Canady was inducted into the Michigan Women's Hall of Fame and received the American Medical Women's Association President’s Award.
Now retired, Dr. Canady remains actively involved in initiatives to increase diversity in the medical field and supports various scholarships and programs.
Today In Black History
In 1820, the Missouri Compromise was enacted to prohibit slavery north of the southern boundary of Missouri and allow Missouri to become a state.
In 1821, Black tailor and inventor Thomas L. Jennings invented a technique to dry-scour clothes and became one of the first African Americans to be granted a U.S. patent. His process was the forerunner to modern dry cleaning.
In 1863, Congress passed the Draft Act that mandated military service for all men between the ages of twenty and forty-five.
In 1865, Congress established the Freemen’s Bureau to protect the interests of former slaves.
In 1869, the University of South Carolina opened for all races.
In 1871, Hiram R. Revels was elected to the U.S. Senate by Mississippi to fill the unexpired term of Jefferson Davis, becoming the first Black Senator.
In 1913, Ida B. Wells marched in The Woman Suffrage Procession with her all-Black Illinois delegation despite being told that Blacks had to march separately.
In 1931, Cab Calloway recorded jazz’s 1st million seller, “Minnie the Moocher.”
In 1968, the FBI sent a memo to field offices for a counterintelligence program to block attempts by African American Nationalist groups to coalesce, grow, and even exist.
In 1988, Juanita Kidd Stout was sworn into the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, becoming the first Black woman to sit on a state Supreme Court.
In 1990, Carole Gist was crowned the first Black Miss USA.
In 1991, Rodney King was brutally beaten by four LAPD officers, who were subsequently found not guilty, leading to the LA riots in 1992.
In 1998, Larry Dolby and “Bullet” Joe Rogan, Negro League pitchers, were named to the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame.
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