Today in History- March 1, 1864- Rebecca Lee Crumpler became the first African American woman to receive a medical degree and the only to receive a degree at the New England Female Medical College, which closed in 1873.
Dr. Crumpler was born in Delaware to Absolum Davis and Matilda Webber in 1831. Interestingly enough, the date she received her degree was one year after the Emancipation Proclamation of January 1, 1863 - in other words, she received her degree only a year after slavery became illegal (slavery wasn’t even considered fully abolished until 13th amendment which occurred December 12, 1865). Obviously, the discrimination faced at these times for African Americans was unimaginable. Dr.Crumpler didn’t stop with the medical degree; she began her practice in Boston shortly thereafter before moving to Richmond, Virginia at the end of the Civil war in 1865. Richmond, Virginia was part of what was known as the Southern Black Belt. She arrived in Richmond during the Reconstruction era. During this period, blacks experienced very intense discrimination as they struggled to fully break free from the chains of slavery. Dr.Crumpler moved to Richmond because she felt it would be “a proper field for real missionary work, and one that would present ample opportunities to become acquainted with the diseases of women and children. During my stay there nearly every hour was improved in that sphere of labor. The last quarter of the year 1866, I was enabled . . . to have access each day to a very large number of the indigent, and others of different classes, in a population of over 30,000 colored.” In 1883, she published her book “Book of Medical Discourse” in which she gave a summary of her career path. There are no known images of Dr.Crumpler, but the magnitude of her accomplishments are extraordinary making her a prominent figure today in history.
For more information, browse the Engineering Pathway’s resources on African American scientists, engineers & inventors and our engineering diversity website.
9 responses so far ↓
1 monica montgomery // Mar 2, 2008 at 8:19 am
I am in the field of education. I know a number of youth who want to get into the medical field, but they want to provide assistive services rather than serve as the primary care “doctor.” I greatly appreiate this information as Dr. Crumpler’s accomplishments speaks volumes as to not only what we can accomplish today, but what she was able to accomplish at the height of hatred, racism and little to no support for blacks!
2 Karen Birks // Mar 3, 2008 at 8:20 am
Historical information like this tends to put things into perspective! Eventhough things have gotton somewhat better overall, it is so very important for us to acknowledge those who have paved the way for us today. Thank you Dr. Crumpler and other trailblazers for your determination and willingness to say no to the satus quo…We should all be that brave!
3 Blair Amphy // Mar 3, 2008 at 9:44 pm
This was very important information for us all to know about the accomplishment of Dr. Crumpler!! I am currently in my undergraduate studies planning on going to to Medical School. Information like this only makes me look forward to my very own journey of becoming a doctor one day.
4 Anayo Ohiri // Mar 6, 2008 at 1:36 am
Information like this is very important in today’s society, especially in the African American community. This is a wonderful indication of why acknowledging the pioneers of our past is important. I am studying to become a pharmacist and with information like this, I better understand that although my journey may not be an easy one, with determination and perseverance, I can reach my goals just as Dr. Crumpler did.
5 Charlotte Betson // Mar 6, 2008 at 8:16 pm
This information about Dr. Crumpler motivates and inspires me to continue my journey in pursuit of my goals. As an educator, I believe Dr. Crumpler’s accomplishments should be commended and recognized by society. This valuable information will be posted in my classroom.
6 Alice Agogino // Mar 8, 2008 at 11:07 am
Interested readers might want to go to Chad’s blog for March 3rd on the first African American to receive a patent.
7 Engineering Education Blog: Inventors, Innovators and Patents // Jul 31, 2008 at 7:01 am
[...] Montgommery blogs on two African American women. On March 1, 1864, Rebecca Lee Crumpler became the first African American woman to receive a medical degree. Also see the blog on Sara Breedlove Walker, the first self-made millionairess hair product [...]
8 » Engineering Education Blog: Inventors, Innovators and Patents » NSDL Pathways News // Aug 1, 2008 at 4:45 am
[...] Montgommery blogs on two African American women. On March 1, 1864, Rebecca Lee Crumpler became the first African American woman to receive a medical degree. Also see the blog on Sara Breedlove Walker, the first self-made millionairess hair product [...]
9 shar lewis // Feb 11, 2009 at 10:16 am
hi, this is a good note but you need more, like what legacy she left but it was good though.
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