Rebecca Lee Crumpler was the first African American woman to become a doctor of medicine in the United States. She was born in 1831 and overcame significant challenges and discrimination to pursue a career in medicine at a time when it was extremely rare for women, especially Black women, to become physicians.

Crumpler began her medical career as a nurse and after working for several years, she was admitted to the New England Female Medical College in 1860. In 1864, she graduated and became the first African American woman to earn a medical degree. She dedicated her career to providing medical care to freed slaves in the South and worked tirelessly to improve the health and well-being of African Americans during a time of great social and political upheaval.

Rebecca Lee Crumpler's pioneering achievements paved the way for future generations of African American women in the medical field and her legacy continues to inspire and empower people today.