James McCune Smith: First African American to get medical degree – STV News Report
Today marks the 180th anniversary of the first African American to receive a medical degree, and it happened in Glasgow. James McCune Smith was born into slavery in 1813 but despite being freed at the age of 14, still struggled to overcome racism and was rejected by several American universities because of his colour.
He was then thrown a lifeline by the University of Glasgow, and his story inspired generations of African Americans after him.
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