Robert Tanner Freeman facts for kids
Robert Tanner Freeman (1846–1873) After being selected as one of "the first six-persons" to enter Harvard's Dental Program. He shortly became the first African American to graduate with a dental degree in the United States on March 10, 1869.
Biography
Freeman was born near Washington, D.C. in the year of 1846. He was the son of a carpenter who had bought his family's freedom then moved to Raleigh, North Carolina. During his late teens he found and worked for a mentor named Dr.Noble, a white dentist in Washington. Before Freeman was accepted into Harvard University School of Dental Medicine he was rejected by two other institutions because of the color of his skin. Harvard School of Dental Medicine introduced a new faculty with a new unbiased policy towards race. Racial discrimination in dental schools was on the way towards being eliminated. Freeman was then accepted after being interviewed by the first dean, Dr.Nathan Cooley Keep alongside five others becoming one of "the first six" to study at Harvard Dental School. In the year 1869 on March 10 Tanner became the first African American to graduate from that school also becoming the first African American awarded a dental degree in the U.S.
Career
Freeman graduated from Harvard Dental School becoming a DMD (Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry) by obtaining a dental degree. He then returned to Washington D.C to start off his dental practice where he practiced in the same building as his mentor Dr.Noble. Fours years removed from graduating and practicing professionally, Freeman unfortunately contracted a water borne plague that resulted in his untimely death on June 10, 1873.
Legacy
Freeman success was influential in serving his African-American community, he paved the way for a much needed cultural and political change. Freeman was a pioneer for dentistry for minorities. He was the grandfather of Robert C. Weaver, the first African American to serve in the U.S. Cabinet, serving as Lyndon B. Johnson secretary of Housing & Urban Development.
