Inspiring Black Leaders of the Past and Present
In honor of Black History Month, we would like to share our perspective on the Black industry leaders and innovators who have made an impact in their respective fields (including medicine, technology, civil rights, equity and philanthropy). Our goal with this article is to share about Black leaders and innovators of days past, but also those who are making a difference and charting a new course today. Read on to learn more!
Advancing Medicine: Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler and Dr. Uché Blackstock
Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler (1831–1895) was the first Black woman to earn a medical degree in the United States. She provided medical care to freed slaves and underserved communities, while working in harsh post-Civil War conditions. Against all odds, she also published one of the first medical books by a Black author – A Book of Medical Discourses in 1883.
Dr. Uché Blackstock is a contemporary physician and founder of Advancing Health Equity, an organization dedicated to addressing racial disparities and promoting systemic change to create equitable healthcare for all. Even today, the reality is that only 6% of American physicians are Black. Dr. Blackstock is the author of Legacy: A Black Physician Reckons with Racism in Medicine.
Past to Present: Dr. Crumpler’s groundbreaking work in providing healthcare to marginalized populations in the post-Civil War era laid the foundation for health equity advocacy. Dr.Blackstock continues this work today by fighting to raise awareness and address systemic issues in modern healthcare.
Advancing Philanthropy – Madam C.J. Walker and Satonya Fair
Madam C.J. Walker was America’s first self-made female millionaire, achieving wealth through her groundbreaking haircare products. Beyond her entrepreneurial success, Walker was a trailblazer in the world of philanthropy. She donated generously to civil rights causes, supported the NAACP’s anti-lynching efforts, and funded educational scholarships for Black students. Her philanthropy was deeply rooted in empowering Black communities and advancing racial and gender equality.
Satonya Fair, JD, is a leader in modern philanthropy and nonprofit governance. As President and CEO of PEAK Grantmaking, she advocates for equitable and inclusive grantmaking practices. Her work involves reimagining philanthropy to center the voices of marginalized communities and break down systemic barriers within the sector. Her influence is shaping how organizations distribute resources to help address racial and social inequities.
Past to Present: Walker’s and Fair’s work exemplifies empowering Black communities through philanthropy. Walker used her entrepreneurial success to fund social justice initiatives and uplift Black individuals during a time of widespread racial discrimination. Fair carries this legacy forward in today’s day and age by advocating for equity in grantmaking practices, ensuring that philanthropic dollars reach underrepresented groups.
Inspiring Canadian Leaders: Mary Ann Shadd Cary and Takara Smith
Mary Ann Shadd Cary was a journalist, educator, and abolitionist who became the first Black woman in North America to publish and edit a newspaper, called The Provincial Freeman. It ran from 1853-1860 in Ontario. Shadd Cary was a committed advocate for education, civil rights, and women’s empowerment, contributing to the fight for equality in both Canada and the United States.
Takara Smith is a Canadian tech entrepreneur, journalist, and founder of VentureKids, a nonprofit that provides free tech education, entrepreneurship, and food security programs for Canadian youth from underserved communities. Small’s work ensures that young people have the tools and resources to succeed in the tech-driven economy.
Past to Present: Shadd Cary and Small are both trailblazers who used their individual platforms to empower marginalized communities. Shadd Cary’s groundbreaking work in print journalism laid the foundation for advocating for freedom of the press and equity, while Small continues this legacy through tech education and innovation.
Beyond Black History Month
It was inspiring to learn more about these Black industry leaders and innovators from times both past and present. Black History Month, taking place in February every year, is an important time to reflect on the lives and legacies of these inspiring individuals. Our company values of people and potential are a representation of our commitment to advancing racial equality and reflecting on how our work, actions and words impact those around us. We hope you enjoyed learning about these inspiring Black industry leaders and innovators. You can learn more about the significance of Black History month in Canada here and in the United States here.
