Provident Hospital holds a significant place in Black history as the first hospital in the United States owned and operated by African Americans. It was established in 1891 in Chicago by Dr. Daniel Hale Williams, a pioneering African American surgeon. Provident Hospital provided medical care to Black patients who were often denied treatment at white-owned hospitals due to racial segregation.

Dr. Williams and his colleagues at Provident Hospital made numerous contributions to medical practice and education. In 1893, Dr. Williams performed one of the first successful open-heart surgeries at Provident Hospital, a groundbreaking achievement in the field of medicine. The hospital also served as a training ground for Black nurses and medical professionals, providing opportunities for Black individuals to pursue careers in healthcare.

Despite facing challenges such as limited funding and resources, Provident Hospital continued to serve the Black community in Chicago for many years. Its legacy as a pioneering institution in Black healthcare history remains an important part of African American heritage.