Embracing Intersectionality in Science: The Inspiring Journey of Dr. Susan McKinney Steward
Early Life and Family Background
In the annals of American history, there are stories that shine like beacons of hope and resilience, illuminating the path for future generations. The life of Dr. Susan Maria Smith McKinney Steward is one such radiant story, a testament to the power of determination, education, and the strenght human spirit can have in the face of adversity. As we delve into her remarkable journey, we'll discover how her legacy continues to inspire and inform our understanding of intersectionality in science, innovation, and sustainability.
The Smith Family's Commitment to Equality and Education
Born in March 1847 in Crow Hill, Brooklyn (now known as Crown Heights), Susan emerged from a family deeply rooted in the fight for equality and education. Her father, Sylvanus Smith, was not just a prominent pork merchant but a fierce abolitionist who played a pivotal role in Brooklyn's anti-slavery movement. The Smith family belonged to a Black community that was free to choose its own path and created influential institutions and an anti-slavery agenda that would shape future generations of activists.
Growing Up in Brooklyn's Free Black Community
Raised in an environment of social action and academic ambition, young Susan and her sister Sarah were instilled with principles that would guide them for the rest of their lives. Susan's future endeavours would be anchored by the Smith family's dedication to promoting African American educational success as a method of elevating their community's social position.
Breaking Barriers in Medical Education
Susan was exceptionally talented and determined. She developed her abilities as a talented musician while working as an organist and choirmaster.
Enrolling in New York Medical College for Women
Susan underwent a significant change as a result of the terrible cholera outbreak that ravaged New York City and the untimely death of her brother during the Civil War. She switched her attention from music to medicine after being moved by a strong desire to end suffering. She enrolled at the New York Medical College for Women in 1867.[1][3][5].
Graduating as Valedictorian
Graduating as valedictorian in 1869, Susan etched her name in history as the first African-American woman to earn a medical degree in New York State and the third in the United States – a remarkable achievement in the aftermath of slavery's abolition just four years prior.
A Groundbreaking Medical Career
But this remarkable accomplishment was just the start of her trailbazing career.
Despite the severe challenges she had as a Black woman working in medicine, Susan opened her own clinic and helped create the Brooklyn Women's Homoeopathic Hospital and Dispensary in 1881.
Establishing a Diverse Medical Practice
Dr. McKinney Steward's medical career made a significant statement about the confluence of gender, race, and science. During a period when discrimination against female doctors, particularly African American women, was pervasive, she successfully ran two Manhattan and Brooklyn offices that catered to both Black and White patients. Her ability to succeed in this difficult setting is a credit to her drive, expertise, and compassion.
Patients of all backgrounds, Black and White alike, came to respect and admire her for her skill in treating malnourished children and her steadfast dedication to prenatal care and childhood ailments. Indee, she was recognized for her expertise in treating conditions like marasmus, a severe form of malnutrition[1].
Community Involvement and Social Impact
In addition to practicing medicine, Dr. McKinney Steward had a strong community involvement. She combined her passion of music with her dedication to community service over her 28 years as organist and choir director at the Bridge Street A.M.E. Church. Her varied skills and passions serve as a reminder of the value of many viewpoints in fostering creativity and social advancement.[2]
Over her long career, Susan's influence went much beyond the medical field. She served as president of her local chapter of the Women's Christian Temperance Union, further demonstrating her commitment to social justice. As president, she was active in various social reform movements, advocating for an alcoholic free way of living and women's rights. Her tireless efforts to champion social justice and equality left an indelible mark on her community.[1][5]
Pioneering Homeopathic Approaches
From 1870 to 1895, she operated her own practice and co-founded the Brooklyn Women's Homeopathic Hospital and Dispensary in 1881, which later became known as the Memorial Hospital for Women and Children[1][2][3][4].
Legacy and Lasting Impact
McKinney-Steward's influence extended beyond her medical practice. In 1906, she became the college physician at Wilberforce University in Ohio, where she continued to educate and inspire future generations until her death in 1918.
The fact that Sands Junior High School in Brooklyn was renamed in her honour in 1974, 56 years after her death, is evidence of the lasting influence of her work and the strength of revealing and honouring forgotten histories.[1][4]
Thinking back on Dr. McKinney Steward's life serves as a reminder of the vital role that a variety of voices play in furthering sustainability and research. Her experience serves as an example of how members of under-represented groups can make ground-breaking contributions to society as a whole if given the chance.
In a historical context where few women, particularly women of color, could pursue careers in science and medicine, Susan McKinney Steward's achievements stand as a testament to her resilience and dedication. Her life and work not only advanced the field of medicine but also paved the way for future generations of women in science, making her a vital figure in the narrative of intersectional women in science.
Conclusion
Embracing intersectionality in science today is about unleashing the whole creative potential of humans, not just about justice or representation. The life of Dr. McKinney Steward shows us that when we dismantle barriers and embrace different viewpoints, we create new avenues for innovative ideas, methods, and solutions that can help us tackle some of the most urgent problems we face, such as those pertaining to sustainability and healthcare.
The lesson from Dr. McKinney Steward's life is evident as we continue to struggle with global concerns like social inequality, pandemics, and climate change: real progress and lasting solutions come from valuing and amplifying various voices in science and beyond. Her transformation from an abolitionist's daughter to a trailblazing doctor is both an inspiration and a call to action.
In honoring her legacy, we will work to foster an inclusive scientific community, one that harnesses the power of diverse perspectives to drive innovation and build a more sustainable, and equitable future.
Through her life, Dr. Susan McKinney Steward serves as a reminder that every voice matters, every narrative matters, and that when we band together, we can overcome apparently insurmountable challenges to bring about positive change in the world.
This article is part of a series exploring the importance of intersectionalty in science for innovation and sustainability.
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