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10 Black Pioneers Who Have Shaped Public Health

February 25, 2025
Activism

Black History Month isn’t just about remembering—it’s about honoring those who have redefined the status quo and helped others thrive. From historic breakthroughs to ongoing advancements, Black pioneers have led groundbreaking research, fought for health equity, and inspired change in the field of public health.

This month, we’re celebrating 10 fearless Black healthcare leaders who’ve paved the way for a healthier future for all.

Sandra Lindsay

Sandra Lindsay made history as the first person in the U.S. to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, turning a single moment into a movement. Lindsay was born and raised in Jamaica, where she found herself surrounded by strong women in healthcare. Inspired by them, Sandra built her career and education in nursing. However, she saw firsthand the devastating impact the pandemic had on underserved communities. Determined to make a change, she rolled up her sleeve—not only for her own health but to inspire others to trust the vaccine and be an advocate for health equity for all.

Sandra Lindsay Black History Month
Image Credit: CARE

Dr. John Nkengasong

As the founding director of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr. John Nkengasong has played a crucial role in helping Africa navigate COVID-19. Beyond leading pandemic response efforts, he empowers young African scientists and advocates for equitable vaccine access worldwide. Today,  he also serves as the Deputy Director for Global Health at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Dr. John Nkengasong Black History Month
Image Credit: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Dázon Dixon Diallo

Founder and President of SisterLove, Inc., Dázon is a powerhouse in the fight for human rights. In 1989, she made history by establishing the first women’s HIV, sexual, and reproductive justice organization in the U.S. Southeast. With over 35 years of advocacy under her belt, she has been a relentless voice for health equity, earning countless awards along the way.

Dázon Dixon Diallo Black History Month
Image Credit: Sister Love

Louis W. Sullivan

Physician, educator, and civil rights pioneer, Louis W. Sullivan dedicated his career to improving public health in the U.S. In the mid-1970s, Sullivan helped establish the Morehouse School of Medicine and was appointed founding dean. He later served as Secretary of Health and Human Services, where he championed key health initiatives including endorsing needle exchange programs as part of an HIV/AIDS prevention strategy and pioneer treatments for sickle cell disease. Today, he leads the National Health Museum and the Sullivan Alliance and chairs the President’s Advisory Council on Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Image Credit: US Department of Health and Human Services

Dr. Helene D. Gayle

Named one of Forbes’ “100 Most Powerful Women,” Dr. Helene D. Gayle is a physician and global health expert, who has dedicated her career to tackling HIV/AIDS and systemic health disparities. From the CDC to the Gates Foundation and CARE, she’s leading transformative change and exposing inequities that impact Black communities.  She currently serves as President of Spelman College and is a Board Member of our sister organization, the ONE Campaign.

Dr. Helene D. Gayle Black History Month
Image Credit: Spelman College

Marsha P. Johnson

Though best known as a key figure in the Stonewall Uprising and a fierce advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, Marsha P. Johnson also fought tirelessly for those affected by HIV/AIDS. In 1970, she co-founded one of the first safe spaces for transgender and homeless youth. After her own diagnosis in the 1980s, she became a vocal member of ACT UP, demanding urgent action on the AIDS crisis while leaving her mark on NYC’s vibrant art scene.

Marsha P. Johnson Black History Month
Image Credit: New York State

Vanessa Johnson

For decades, Vanessa Johnson has advocated for the rights of Black individuals living with HIV. As a woman living with HIV, Johnson shares her story and mentors other women to help them live with strength and resilience. She launched numerous organizations dedicated to uplifting and empowering women with HIV and also helped author Unspoken: Sexual, Romance, and Reproductive Freedom for Women Living with HIV, a groundbreaking report rewriting the narrative around HIV and women’s rights.

Vanessa Johnson Black History Month
Image Credit: PLHIV Documentary

Dr. Kapita Bila Minlangu

Dr. Kapita was at the forefront of Africa’s fight against HIV/AIDS in the 1980s as one of the first African scientists to identify the epidemic’s presence in Central Africa.  He co-led Project SIDA, which proved that HIV/AIDS was not exclusive to gay men. The discovery that individuals of all genders and sexual orientations were susceptible to infection was a crucial step in learning how HIV is transmitted. Though the project was cut short by the Civil War in 1991, it played a key part in shaping our understanding of HIV today.

Image Credit: Fondation Bila Minlangu Officiel

W.E.B. Du Bois

In the early 1900s, W.E.B. Du Bois was among the first to argue that racial health disparities weren’t just biological but rooted in social structures. His pioneering research highlighted the effects of racism and discrimination in healthcare, paving the way for future equity-driven policies and discussions.

W.E.B. Du Bois Black History Month
Image Credit: Library of Congress

Henrietta Lacks

Henrietta Lacks unknowingly made one of the greatest contributions to modern medicine. Her cells, taken without consent during cancer treatment in 1951, became the foundation for countless medical breakthroughs—including HIV/AIDS medications and COVID-19 vaccines. While her legacy is one of scientific triumph, it also serves as a powerful reminder of the injustices Black patients have endured in medical history.

These individuals prove that healthcare for all isn’t just about science—it’s about fighting the injustices that allow preventable and treatable diseases to thrive.

As we celebrate Black History Month, let’s honor their legacies by continuing their important work so that everyone, everywhere, can have access to the healthcare they deserve.