As we celebrate a century of honoring Black history, we recognize that Black history is American history. Today we honor the resilience, creativity, and joy that have shaped our world. Let's continue to amplify the accomplishments of Black pioneers this month and every month.
Science, Medicine & Engineering
- Open-Heart Surgery: Dr. Daniel Hale Williams (1893) performed the first successful surgery on the pericardium (the heart's lining).
- Blood Banks: Dr. Charles Drew pioneered methods for storing blood plasma and organized the first large-scale blood bank in the U.S., saving countless lives during WWII.
- The Internet (Pioneer): Dr. Philip Emeagwali (1989) used 65,000 processors to perform the world's fastest computation, a breakthrough that helped lead to the development of the modern internet.
- Aerospace: Guion Bluford (1983) became the first African American in space, followed by Dr. Mae Jemison (1992), the first Black woman in space.