Empowering Legacies: Celebrating Black Pharmacists from Howard University College of Pharmacy

In celebration of Black History Month, Howard University College of Pharmacy proudly showcased a few of our esteemed alumni ranging from 1970 to 2015. This initiative aimed to illuminate the unique array of pharmacy careers our graduates have pursued, underscoring the invaluable contributions of Black pharmacists to the profession. 

These highlighted alumni exemplify the rich tapestry of talent that has emerged from our institution, embodying commitment, excellence, and leadership that define the legacy of Howard University College of Pharmacy. Their stories are powerful testaments to the profound impact that Black pharmacists have had, and continue to have, on the field of pharmacy. 

Explore the powerful impact of Howard University College of Pharmacy graduates and the compelling reasons why Black pharmacists are indispensable to the ever-evolving healthcare landscape. By clicking on each alumni's name, you'll gain insights into their history and current achievements. 

"Black pharmacists play a major role in reducing the health inequities that plague our communities. We can open pharmacies in our communities that others avoid. You can never be what you never see. I will never forget going to a rural church to preach. A elderly woman said she was the first Black pharmacists she had ever met. Today her niece is a pharmacist. We are culturally aware. We speak the language and understand the challenges the community is facing." - Dr. Leonard Edloe, c/o 1970

"Pharmacists have always had a critical role in patient information, education, and inspiration. When patients leave the doctor, they often consult the pharmacist to better understand what the doctor diagnosed and prescribed. Because of the many health disparities in the Black community, Black pharmacists have a special role in patient information, education, and inspiration." - Dr. Frank L. Brown, c/o 1970

"Research has shown that patients thrive when their healthcare provider is of the same race, ethnicity, and culture. As the most accessible healthcare professional, Black Pharmacists have the unique opportunity to address healthcare disparities in research and practice, but to also ensure equitable access to life-saving information and treatment, no matter the patients' socioeconomic, educational, or ethnic status." - Dr. Cynthia Warrick, c/o 1975

"We cannot underestimate the power of role models to inspire as we seek to drive diversity in STEM fields and address health disparities. As a teen exploring career options, there were very few health care professionals in my rural community who looked like me. An African-American pharmacist in the community inspired me to explore pharmacy career. What a differences that conversation made in my career journey. Grateful for my training from the Howard University College of Pharmacy." - Wanda Hill, c/o 1990

"Black pharmacists are important to the pharmacy profession because the inequality in our healthcare system and poor health outcomes seen in our BIPOC communities, requires us to be active leaders in pharmacy. African Americans make up 14.2% of the US Census yet only 7% of US licensed pharmacists are black. There continues to be an extensive need for competent, culturally diverse pharmacists to serve the needs of our BIPOC communities and beyond. We need black pharmacists to be researchers, clinicians, academicians and thought leaders. We need to sit at the table of decision-making, so our voices can be heard, our stories told and our communities amplified in a fair, balanced and dignified manner. Therefore, it is imperative that we increase the percentage of African American pharmacists to help shape the future of healthcare and reflect the diversity of our nation" - Dr. Wallene Bullard, c/o 1994

"We're important for our own culture of people. As pharmacists from diverse backgrounds, we hold a unique position in safeguarding our community's health. Given the history of non-traditional care, especially for people of color, it's vital for us to be discerning consumers. Whether it's medications or natural remedies, we must question celebrity endorsements and questionable health claims. Our role is not just to inform but to empower, breaking down complex information so our community can make informed decisions. Let's be advocates for our own health, fostering a culture of critical awareness." - Dr. Verna Brock, c/o 2003

"For many years, Black Americans were restricted from various arenas in healthcare, whether it was receiving improper medical services and/or the inability to attend institutions to receive education in the sciences. Overtime, Black Americans have made great strides in the field of pharmacy. The landing of black pharmacists demonstrates pliability, determination, and excellence. Black pharmacists bring awareness to the challenges faced by minority communities and work assiduously to eradicate various disparities. We serve our community by educating patients, bridging the gap in healthcare access and patient care. As Black pharmacists, we must share our accomplishments in the black community because it will motivate and encourage our young people. Black pharmacists deserve to be recognized." - Dr. Maria Cowan Clary, c/o 2006

"We are sitting at tables our predecessors dreamed of. We cannot just be complaining on what happened 50 years ago but making sure we are taking full advantage of our opportunities to ensure our successors are able to sit at those tables." - Dr. Allison Hill, c/o 2009

"Increased representation of Black Pharmacists in the profession not only enhances the collective cultural competency of the field, it also gives hope to future providers who look like me to feel encouraged that they too can be in that same position or better." - Dr. Bryan Sackey, c/o 2015

"We often hear the slogan "representation matters," but with roughly only 7.3% of registered pharmacists in the U.S. identifying as black, more work must be done to draw more compassionate, driven, and dedicated black men and women into the profession of pharmacy. With black pharmacists being an invaluable component of the healthcare team, it's imperative that those in the black community have access to pharmacists whom they can identify with, feel comfortable with, and whom of health and implementing interventions that can positively impact the health outcomes of those who look like us, and there is no greater reward than knowing that the work we do is helping our people achieve good health." - Dr. Damika Walker, c/o 2015