History & Heritage Alexander Thomas Augusta, M.D., Howard’s Founding Professor of Medicine
For Black History Month, Howard University is highlighting the founders of niche, specialized entities that make The Mecca special grounds of education, connection and excellence.
Dr. Alexander Thomas Augusta's dedication to medicine led him to Howard University as America's first Black medical professor in 1868 at the College of Medicine. A patriot, Dr. Augusta pled with President Abraham Lincoln to serve in the Union Army as a Black officer.
“I was compelled to leave my native country, and come to this on account of prejudice against colour, for the purpose of obtaining a knowledge of my profession, and having accomplished that object, at one of the principle educational institutions of this Province, I am now prepared to practice it and would like to be in a position where I can be of use to my race.”
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