02/11/2025
Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler, the first African-American woman in history to become a physician, was born on this day in 1831. Crumpler spent much of her career caring for women and children, including during her time working with the Freedmen's Bureau, an agency established by President Abraham Lincoln following the Civil War to assist formerly enslaved African Americans. She was also the author of “A Book of Medical Discourses,” a volume she dedicated to mothers and nurses focused on the medical care of women and children; it's believed to the first medical text ever written by an African-American woman.
Born Rebecca Davis in Delaware in 1831, Crumpler was raised in Pennsylvania by an aunt who spent much of her time nursing sick people in the community. Her aunt's dedication inspired her interest in medicine; she later wrote, "[her] usefulness with the sick was continually sought [so] I early conceived a liking for, and sought every opportunity to relieve the sufferings of others.” Crumpler worked as a nurse for eight years before being accepted into the New England Female Medical College in Boston in 1860. When she graduated in 1864, Crumpler became the first African-American woman to ever receive a medical degree.
With the Civil War ending the following year, Crumpler decided to move to Richmond, Virginia, believing that it was "a proper field for real missionary work." Through her work with the Freedman's Bureau, Crumpler worked with a large population of newly freed slaves, continuing to focus her attention primarily on the needs on women and children. Even after returning to Boston, she continued to treat many patients free of charge, often seeing sick children in her home. The desire to serve those in need guided Crumpler throughout her life; as she once reflected: “Selfish prudence is too often allowed to come between duty and human life.”
While no photos or images of Dr. Crumpler survive, Vashti Harrison created this portrait of her based on written descriptions from the time for her children's book, "Little Leaders." To learn more or order "Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History," which is highly recommend for ages 6 to 10, visit https://www.amightygirl.com/little-leaders
For a new book sharing her story with children, we recommend "Finding Rebecca" for ages 7 to 10 at https://amzn.to/4gwbaGT
For an inspiring picture book about another woman who refused to be told she couldn't be a doctor, check out "Who Says Women Can’t Be Doctors?: The Story of Elizabeth Blackwell" for ages 4 to 8 at https://www.amightygirl.com/who-says-women-can-t-be-doctors
For more books for children and teens about trailblazing black women, check out our new blog post "99 Books about Extraordinary Black Mighty Girls and Women" at https://www.amightygirl.com/blog?p=14276
To introduce kids to pioneering women in medicine, we've showcased our top picks of children's books about pioneering female medical professionals, toys, science kits, and clothing in our blog post, "Medical Heroes" at https://www.amightygirl.com/blog?p=29667
