Original Photo of Black Medical Students c. 1940s

African American, Medicine

Original Photo

Original silver gelatin print photograph of Black students probably in a medical school class or an advance science class. 7" x 5.25" inches. Vintage Black and white image. This photo of a class circa 1930-1940's. has multiple black students among its ranks. This group of serious young men are pictured sitting on the steps of their school. It is highly possible that this was a class of medical students, due to the fact that most of the students wear white lab coats with ties underneath, there appear to be stethoscopes in the coat pockets of a few students, and several students wear white shoes that surgeons often wore in the early 20th century. Interestingly out of 30 students, there are at least 8 black students. Many black doctors entered the profession at this time due to the discrimination black people could face not only in access to medical care, but the quality of care received on account of their skin color. Racial prejudice in healthcare was unfortunately as prevalent as prejudice in other facets of social life -- quite widespread. The men are all wearing their white lab coats save for the professor in his suit and tie. In 1940, only 2.8% of the country's physicians were Black, almost exclusively men. By 2018, that number was still low - only 5.4% - but the increase was owed entirely to the entry of Black women into the field. In this Important photo African American student make up more than a quarter of this class. In very good condition overall.

Item #17845

Price: $280.00