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[ #NeuroRacism | Historical Black Figures 
]
Today’s been kinda heavy! We wanted to end on a high note, so now we're going to celebrate and highlight many amazing Black figures in neuroscience from over the years.
We hope this inspires you, it certainly inspired us.
] Today’s been kinda heavy! We wanted to end on a high note, so now we're going to celebrate and highlight many amazing Black figures in neuroscience from over the years.
We hope this inspires you, it certainly inspired us.
If #NeuroRacism is as old as science, the history of #BlackExcellence in studying the brain is much older.
The first recorded use of the word "brain" comes from an ancient Egyptian medical text, likely originating from 1501 BC.
The first recorded use of the word "brain" comes from an ancient Egyptian medical text, likely originating from 1501 BC.
These OG neuroscientists knew about the cortex, seizures, aphasia (an impairment of language), and the laterality of movements.
In fact, even some of the symptoms and treatments for spinal cord injuries proposed are still remarkably accurate, even to today's standards.
In fact, even some of the symptoms and treatments for spinal cord injuries proposed are still remarkably accurate, even to today's standards.
Before we move forward:
There are likely countless instances in which Black people were involved in science that was never attributed to them.
Not to mention that in the US and other countries alike, Black people were not allowed to go to college until the late 1800s.
There are likely countless instances in which Black people were involved in science that was never attributed to them.
Not to mention that in the US and other countries alike, Black people were not allowed to go to college until the late 1800s.
That being said, let us introduce you to the Father of Black Psychology: Francis Sumner, who was the first Black Psychology PhD.
Sumner's area of focus was in investigating how to refute racism and bias in the theories used to conclude the inferiority of African Americans.
Sumner's area of focus was in investigating how to refute racism and bias in the theories used to conclude the inferiority of African Americans.
Born in Monrovia, Liberia, Dr. Solomon Carter Fuller was involved in the earliest investigations surrounding Alzheimer's disease. As in, he studied with Alois Alzheimer himself.
Some of the neurological questions Fuller posed in his time are still being answered to this day.
Some of the neurological questions Fuller posed in his time are still being answered to this day.
Mary Logan Reddick, PhD was the definition of excellence.
A doctor by the age of 30 (with 2 Master's), she was the first woman biology instructor at Morehouse College, where she also became the first woman to Chair the Biology Department and to be promoted to full Professor.
A doctor by the age of 30 (with 2 Master's), she was the first woman biology instructor at Morehouse College, where she also became the first woman to Chair the Biology Department and to be promoted to full Professor.
Born in Lagos, Nigeria, the first Black neurosurgeon trained in the US was Dr. Emanuel Latunde Odeku.
After receiving his MD from Howard University, he returned to Nigeria where he revolutionized neurosurgical care. Also, he was a fantastic poet, look him up!
After receiving his MD from Howard University, he returned to Nigeria where he revolutionized neurosurgical care. Also, he was a fantastic poet, look him up!
Last but not least, a living legend, Dr. Alexa Canady, the first black woman to become a neurosurgeon.
Canady specialized in pediatric neurosurgery, and also conducted research. Numerous awards, and a career later, she is still a champion for diversity in neurosurgery.
Canady specialized in pediatric neurosurgery, and also conducted research. Numerous awards, and a career later, she is still a champion for diversity in neurosurgery.
We definitely did not name every Black scientist in neuro from history, but now we want to open up to you!
Who are some Black scientists in neuro that inspire you?
Who are some Black scientists in neuro that inspire you?
