James McCune Smith (April 18, 1813 – November 17, 1865) emerged as a trailblazer in American history, embodying the essence of resilience and determination as a pioneering physician, apothecary, abolitionist, and author. His legacy transcends boundaries, marked by groundbreaking achievements and unwavering advocacy for equality.
Smith’s journey began with a significant milestone—he became the first African American to earn a medical degree, graduating from the University of Glasgow in Scotland. His M.D., awarded in an era marked by pervasive racism and discrimination, symbolized defiance against systemic barriers. Upon returning to the United States, Smith shattered yet another barrier, establishing the nation’s first African-American-owned pharmacy—a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to breaking down racial barriers in healthcare.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Smith’s intellectual prowess and commitment to social justice were unparalleled. For nearly two decades, he served as a dedicated physician at the Colored Orphan Asylum in Manhattan, providing essential medical care to marginalized communities. Yet, his contributions extended far beyond medical practice. Through his writings and speeches, Smith emerged as a prominent public intellectual, challenging prevailing misconceptions about race, intelligence, and society.
Smith’s activism was deeply rooted in his commitment to abolitionism. Alongside Frederick Douglass, he co-founded the National Council of Colored People—a groundbreaking initiative to advance civil rights and combat systemic oppression. His influence reverberated beyond organizational efforts; Smith actively resisted oppressive legislation, such as the Fugitive Slave Law, by aiding refugee slaves through the Underground Railroad.
The complexities of racial identity during Smith’s time underscored the persistent challenges faced by African Americans. Despite his marriage to a woman of mixed African and European descent, Smith and his family were classified as white in the 1860 census—a stark reminder of the arbitrary nature of racial classification and the enduring legacy of systemic racism. As he became economically successful, Smith built a house in a primarily white neighborhood; in the 1860 census, he and his family were classified as white, along with their neighbors. In the census of 1850, while living in a predominately African-American neighborhood, they had been classified as mulatto. Smith served nearly 20 years as a physician at the
the Colored Orphan Asylum in New York. After it was burned down in July 1863 by a mob in draft riots in Manhattan, in which nearly 100 blacks were killed, Smith moved his family and practice to Brooklyn for their safety. Many other blacks left Manhattan for Brooklyn at the same time. The parents stressed education for their children.
In 1863, Smith was appointed as professor of anthropology at Wilberforce College, the first African-American-owned and operated college in the United States. Unfortunately, he could not assume the position due to his declining health. He passed away two years later, on November 17, 1865, at the age of 52, from congestive heart failure. Tragically, his death occurred just nineteen days before the ratification of the Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, which abolished slavery. He was laid to rest at Cypress Hills Cemetery in Brooklyn, survived by his widow, Malvina, and five children.
To escape racial discrimination and seek more opportunities, his children integrated into white society: his four surviving sons married white spouses, while his unmarried daughter lived with a brother. In the 1870 census, his widow and children continued to be classified as white.
Smith’s legacy is a beacon of hope and resilience, inspiring future generations to challenge injustice and strive for a more equitable society. His contributions transcend time, reminding us of the transformative power of perseverance and unwavering dedication to the pursuit of justice. James McCune Smith’s legacy remains a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring quest for equality and social justice.
