Black Achievements in Medicine and Science—and the Role of HBCUs

Medically reviewed in February 2022

Updated on February 8, 2022

At Sharecare, we know health and progress go hand in hand. We’re celebrating Black excellence in America by honoring the advancements that have come from Black Americans and historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

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Transcript

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February marks Black History Month, a time to celebrate the accomplishments despite the obstacles and mark the moments of fortitude for Black Americans
00:07
from yesterday and today. Here at Sharecare, we know that health and progress go hand in hand. So what better way to celebrate Black excellence in America
00:16
than honoring the advancements that came from the hearts and minds of this community and specifically in historically Black colleges and universities
00:23
or HBCUs. In 1881, in Atlanta, Georgia, Spelman College became the first school for Black student nurses.
00:30
A few years later in 1886, Howard University School of Medicine in Washington, DC, a school initially established
00:36
for educating Black doctors, opened its doors to both Black and white students and both men and women.
00:42
Of course, the work of HBCUs do still have lasting impacts across the country. [MUSIC PLAYING]
00:52
Today, these colleges and universities are responsible for 40% of all Black engineering graduates and, in the political arena,
01:00
40% of all Black Congress people. What's more, 80% of all Black judges in America attended an HBCU.
01:07
There is an achievement around every corner in medicine, politics, and beyond. How will you celebrate this month?

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