Today in Black History: January 18th
1856 – Daniel Hale Williams Born
Daniel Hale Williams III, a pioneering surgeon best known for performing one of the world’s first successful open-heart surgeries, was born on January 18, 1856, in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania to Sarah Price Williams and Daniel Hale Williams II. Following his father’s death, he pursued an education, eventually earning a Doctorate in Medicine from the Chicago Medical College in 1883. Williams established himself as a pioneer in medicine, emphasizing high standards and sterile conditions in his practice.
In 1891, Williams co-founded Provident Hospital in Chicago’s South Side, the first Black-controlled and interracial hospital in the nation, promoting racial integration with an interracial staff. Notably, in 1893, he performed one of the world’s first successful open-heart surgeries on James Cornish, a young Black man who had sustained severe stab wounds to the chest, despite the limited surgical tools and medical resources of the time.
Williams in 1913 became the first Black member of the American College of Surgeons and later contributed to Meharry Medical College until his retirement in 1926. Daniel Hale Williams III passed away on August 4, 1931, leaving behind a legacy of medical excellence and racial progress.
1981– Grant Fuhr First Black NHL Player
Grant Fuhr, born September 22, 1962, in Alberta, Canada, made sports history and broke racial barriers when he became the first Black professional hockey player in the National Hockey League (NHL) on January 18, 1981.
Born to young, teenage parents, Fuhr was put up for adoption and adopted by his parents Robert Fuhr and Betty Wheeler. He took up the sport at age 7 when announcing his want to become a goalie and his father’s transforming their basement into a hockey rink according to Black Past.
Fuhr began his professional journey with the Edmonton Oilers in the 1981-1982 NHL season. His agile and acrobatic style between the pipes quickly gained attention, helping lead the Oilers to multiple Stanley Cup championships during the 1980s. Fuhr’s exceptional goaltending abilities were pivotal to the team’s success, earning him widespread recognition and admiration.
