The First Black Surgeon trained in Rochester, New York.
This year marks the 80th Anniversary of the University of Rochester’s first acceptance of a Black man to the School of Medicine (Edwin A. Robinson, MD 45’) – a monumental feat made possible by legislation threatening to take away the University’s tax-exempt status for openly refusing to train Black physicians and nurses.
Edwin Robinson, MD. Photo Courtesy of the Edward Miner Library, History of Medicine Section. Used with written permission.
Bold & Gritty – a Black-owned, coffee-focused lifestyle brand, was started by a Neurosurgery Resident in Rochester, NY to tell the stories of Black men who have succeeded against all odds. This year marks the 80th Anniversary of the University of Rochester’s first acceptance of a Black man to the School of Medicine (Edwin Robinson, MD 45’) – a monumental feat made possible by legislation threatening to take away the University’s tax-exempt status for openly refusing to train Black physicians and nurses. Below is the letter that George Whipple sent to prospective Black applicants, effectively preventing all Black students from attending until 1941. It was not until 1972 that the first Black woman would graduate.
“The Admission Committee on several occasions has discussed carefully with the President the question of Negro students in this school of medicine. It is possible for this school to give the work of the first two years, but it would be impossible for us to offer clinical training, particularly in obstetrics, which is of fundamental importance in the clinical curriculum. Under the circumstances, therefore, we feel that it would be much wiser for you to apply to several of the schools who can, and do, give adequate training to Negro students. The transfer from a completed second year to another school is always difficult so that it is better to enroll in the school in which the student plans to carry through the entire four years.” – George Whipple, Dean of the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry
Dr. Robinson was born in Lake Charles and moved to Rochester when he was one years old. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Cornell University in Ithaca, NY. After graduating from medical school, Dr. Robinson continued to practice surgery in the City of Rochester. He was a strong advocate for increasing the numbers of Black students admitted to the University of Rochester School of Medicine - which at the time of his graduation accepted only one Black student per year to maintain the institution’s tax-exempt status. In 1967, he became President of Highland Hospital in Rochester, NY - breaking yet another ceiling for African American physicians.
Today we celebrate all of the Bold and Gritty physicians that continue to dismantle a system that was set up to exclude Black people from the academy. We tell their stories so that the next generation knows their worth and can boldly go after their dreams. As you drink your Bold & Gritty coffee today, let’s not forget our history and the work that still needs to be done.
We highlight successful Black Men ages 18-40, who embody what it means to be Bold and Gritty. Black coffee is the vehicle for sharing these stories. If you or someone you know embodies these core values and would like to use our platform to shine a light on #Blackmale excellence and encourage future Bold and Gritty men, please fill out our feature application.
