Dr. James McCune Smith lived from 1813 to 1865.

He is known as the first African American Medical Doctor.

He was denied admission to multiple universities in the United States, but due to his unwavering determination, he sought education in Scotland at the University of Glasgow and received not only his Bachelor's degree but his Master's and Medical degrees.

Dr. McCune Smith took part in multiple anti-slavery movements, and served as a main contributor in the eventual abolishment of slavery.

Among many other accomplishments, he worked tirelessly to increase knowledge of the current standing of the Black community to seek condition improvements, and he opened the first black-owned pharmacy.

Thank you Dr. McCune Smith for being a public health hero!

This biography is based on publicly available information and was edited by Hugh Dunn and Adam Graczyk.