Rebecca Lee Crumpler was a trailblazing African American physician and author, known for becoming the first African American woman to earn a medical degree in the United States. Born in Delaware in 1831, Crumpler worked as a nurse for several years before pursuing her dream of becoming a doctor.

In 1864, she was admitted to the New England Female Medical College in Boston, where she completed her medical degree in 1864. Dr. Crumpler faced significant discrimination and barriers as a Black woman in the medical field, but she persevered and dedicated herself to providing care to underserved communities.

After obtaining her medical degree, Crumpler moved to Richmond, Virginia, where she worked with newly freed African Americans who were in desperate need of medical attention. She later went on to publish a book titled "A Book of Medical Discourses" in 1883, which provided medical advice to women and children.

Rebecca Lee Crumpler's groundbreaking achievements paved the way for future generations of African American women in medicine and continue to inspire today.