02/09/2026
This Black History Month, we honor the legacy, resilience, and impact of Black leaders in veterinary medicine and beyond. Diversity makes our care stronger—for pets and people alike. 🖤🐾
Today, we shine a light on Dr. Alfreda Johnson Webb, a true trailblazer who became the first Black woman to graduate from veterinary school in the United States.
Dr. Johnson Webb was born in 1923 in Mobile, Alabama. After earning a Bachelor of Science degree from the Tuskegee Institute (now Tuskegee University), she went on to attend the Tuskegee Institute College of Veterinary Medicine. In 1949, she made history as the first Black woman to graduate from veterinary school in the U.S., becoming the first Black woman licensed to practice veterinary medicine in the country. That same year, she also became the first Black member of the Women’s Veterinary Association.
Committed to lifelong learning, Dr. Johnson Webb continued her education at Michigan State University, where she earned a Master of Science degree in Anatomy in 1950.
She returned to Tuskegee Institute, where she taught anatomy until 1959, completing her tenure as an Associate Professor. From 1959 to 1978, she served as a professor of biology at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (NC A&T). During her time at NC A&T, she played a pivotal role on the planning committee that helped establish the School of Veterinary Medicine at North Carolina State University.
In 1971, Dr. Johnson Webb broke yet another barrier by becoming the first Black woman elected to the North Carolina General Assembly, where she served on multiple committees, including as Chairperson of Minority Affairs.
Her legacy continues to inspire generations of veterinarians, educators, and leaders.
❤️🖤💚
