Year: 1892

Where:  Jackson, TN

Who: Miles Vandahurst Lynk

Miles Vandahurst Lynk, born on June 3, 1871, near Brownsville, Tennessee, was a pioneering physician and author whose work reshaped opportunities for African Americans in the medical field. After graduating from Meharry Medical College, he became the first Black doctor in Jackson, Tennessee, at the age of 19. Lynk’s efforts extended beyond his medical practice; he was a trailblazer in creating platforms for Black medical professionals and advocating for greater representation and educational access for African Americans in the medical community.

In 1892, Lynk founded The Medical and Surgical Observer, the first medical journal dedicated to African American physicians. At a time when racial segregation excluded Black practitioners from mainstream medical forums, this journal served as a vital resource, connecting Black doctors, fostering collaboration, and providing a platform for shared knowledge. Although the publication lasted only a year, its impact was immense, giving a voice to those previously marginalized within the medical profession. Lynk also co-founded the University of West Tennessee in 1900, which graduated over 155 African American physicians and other professionals, further empowering Black communities. His work in founding the National Medical Association continues to support African American physicians today.

Beyond his work in medicine, Lynk was also a historian, chronicling the experiences of African American soldiers in his book The Black Troopers. His legacy endures through the institutions he founded and the many physicians and professionals he mentored. Lynk’s tireless dedication to breaking racial barriers in education and medicine has left a lasting mark on the African American medical community, ensuring a legacy of empowerment and progress for generations to come.

Sources

Websites:

• Magness, P. (2018, March 1). Lynk, Miles Vanderhorst. Tennessee Encyclopedia. http://tnency.utk.tennessee.edu/entries/miles-vanderhorst-lynk/ ​

• Momodu, S. (2021, January 6). Miles Vandarhurst Lynk (1871-1956) https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/lynk-miles-vandarhurst-1871-1956/ ​