James McCune Smith

America's 1st licensed African American doctor, James McCune Smith was born in New York.  His mother purchased her freedom.  Educated at the African Free School, he was denied admittance to an American University, so he went to Europe and was able to receive his undergraduate, masters and medical degree at the University of Glasgow.  He interned in Paris before returning to New York.  His medical practice and pharmacy attracted an inter-racial clientele. He was a prolific writer on many topics and an ardent abolitionist.