Every February it is time to remember and be grateful for the achievements and contributions of African Americans to our country. This month, New York Medical College is honoring Myra Adele Logan, NYMC Class of 1933. Dr Logan was the first woman to perform open heart surgery in 1943 and the first African American woman elected a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. It is hard to calculate not only how many lives she saved, but also how many young African Americans she inspired to become successful physicians and health science professionals, who then, in turn, saved lives, made advancements to society, and inspired others to do the same.

Having someone who moves us to become the best person we can be, even in the face of adversity, is a gift to be cherished. Reading about focused, committed people and the barriers that many had to break through is a great start.  The library owns several books and eBooks you might want to consider this month and, in the months to come.

Davis, A.T. (1999). Early Black American leaders in nursing: Architects for integration and equality. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=nlebk&AN=25615&site=ehost-live.

Hansen, J. (2007). Women of hope: African Americans who made a difference. New York, NY: Scholastic Press.

Johnson, L. N., & Daniels, O. C. B. (Eds.). (2002). Breaking the color line in medicine: African Americans in Opthalmology. Thorofare, NJ: SLACK Incorporated.

Sammons, V. O. (1990). Blacks in science and medicine. New York, NY: Hemisphere Publishing Corporation.

Thornton, Y. S. (2010). Something to prove: A daughter’s journey to fulfill a father’s legacy: A memoir. New York, NY: Kaplan Publishing.