From the Archives – African American Leadership in the Red Cross

  African Americans Play Important Leadership Role In Red Cross History From the beginning, African Americans have played an important role in the mission of the American Red Cross. In honor of February’s observance of Black History Month, we salute the accomplishments of some remarkable individuals who paved the way by achieving recognition and prominence through service. Frederick Douglass (1818-1895)  –  Adviser To Clara Barton African American involvement in the American Red Cross goes back to the beginning of the organization. After the Civil War, Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross, met with famed abolitionist Frederick Douglass and talked about establishing a Red Cross Association in the United States. Douglass supported Barton’s efforts and continued to support the work of the Red Cross after it was founded in 1881. Frances Elliott Davis (1877-1965)  –  Red Cross Nurse In 1915, Frances Elliott Davis, a professional nurse at Freedman’s Hospital in Washington, D.C., applied for American Red Cross service. Undeterred by initial rejection, Davis persisted and in 1917 became the first African American Red Cross nurse officially approved by the organization. Her nurse’s pin was inscribed with “1-A” on the reverse. The “A” designated the wearer as an African American, and this practice continued until 1949. Dr. Charles R. Drew (1904-1950)  –  Medical Pioneer Anticipating the need f...
Source: Red Cross Chat - Category: Global & Universal Authors: Tags: Archives Blood History Leadership Volunteers African American Black History Month Source Type: news