Dr. Alfreda Johnson Webb (February 21, 1923 – October 14, 1992) was a trailblazing African-American veterinarian, educator, and politician who made significant contributions to veterinary medicine and public service. Born in Mobile, Alabama, Webb pursued her education at Tuskegee Institute (now Tuskegee University), where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in 1943. In 1949, she achieved a historic milestone by becoming one of the first two African-American women to receive a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree in the United States.
Webb’s career was marked by her dedication to education and research. She taught anatomy at Tuskegee Institute from 1950 to 1959, rising to the rank of associate professor. She then moved to Greensboro, North Carolina, where she served as a professor of biology at North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University (NC A&T) from 1959 to 1978. During her time at NC A&T, Webb played a crucial role in planning the School of Veterinary Medicine for North Carolina, which was later established at North Carolina State University in 1981.
In addition to her contributions to veterinary education, Webb made history in politics. In 1972, she became the first African-American woman to serve in the North Carolina General Assembly after being appointed by Governor Robert W. Scott in 1971. Throughout her career, Webb received numerous honors for her achievements in both veterinary medicine and politics. Her legacy continues to inspire future generations of veterinarians and scientists, with scholarships and programs established in her name to support underrepresented groups in veterinary medicine. Dr. Webb passed away in 1992 at the age of 69, leaving behind a lasting impact on her community and profession.
References:
- https://www.ncpedia.org/biography/webb-alfreda-wilhelmena-johnson
- https://libraryguides.missouri.edu/AfricanAmericanVeterinaryHistory/JohnsonWebb
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alfreda_Johnson_Webb
Image:https://www.uppatree.com/blog/2017/3/her-story-alfreda-johnson-webb-1923-1992
