13K views · 585 reactions | In 1893, Dr. Daniel Hale Williams performed the first successful open-heart surgery at Provident Hospital — the first Black-owned hospital he founded. Provident Hospital was more than a place of healing; it was a radical act of resistance and excellence. : michaelhforde/IG | Ben Crump | Facebook

#BlackHistoryMonth: Meet Dr. Daniel Hale Williams, a black doctor, who was the first documented physician to perform open-heart surgery in the United States in 1893. Dr. Williams went on to found the first hospital to employ black healthcare workers as well as admit black patients. To learn more about Dr. Daniel Hale Williams, visit BlackAmericaWeb.com | BlackAmericaWeb.com

Dr. Daniel Hale Williams performed one of the first successful open-heart surgeries—at a time when Black doctors weren’t even allowed in most hospitals. But how many of us were ever taught that? This is one of those Black history facts not taught in school. He didn’t just save lives—he built the first Black-owned hospital with an interracial staff, creating space when none was given. As we honor Black history month, it’s time to highlight Black history facts you didn’t know, Black history month