Dr. Richard Charles Dale, SOM class of 1970Last week, the School of Medicine published an article on Black History Month that included an overview of a few notable “firsts” at UAB and a list of ways to take action. Today, we are highlighting three of the first Black/African American students at UAB who enrolled specifically in a medical program.
A mystery woman breaks barriers
September of 1964 was a big month for UAB, which was not yet an autonomous university, but operated as a part of the University of Alabama. The entering class of eight students in the medical technology program at University Hospital included one Black/African American student, Wilma Ann Barnes. In fact, she was the first Black/African American enrolled in any program in the Medical Center.
Additionally, in October of 1964, 44 Black/African American students were enrolled at the Birmingham Extension Center.
Wilma Ann Barnes was born and raised in the suburb of Sayreton, an old mining town just a stone’s throw from ACIPCO and the American Cast Iron Pipe Company near North Birmingham. Barnes became known as the “mystery girl,” a trope that remains accurate today. There is hardly any information available on Barnes.
Because the Medical Technology program—known today as the School of Health Professions—was only twelve months long, Barnes graduated alongside Vivian Malone, one of the first two Black/African American students enrolled at the University of Alabama four years prior.
According to a 1965 issue of JET Magazine, reporters and news bureau representatives attended graduation to see Vivian Malone graduate, but it seems that no news reporters were aware that Barnes was graduating alongside her. When they saw a Black/African American woman in “orange and white” graduation gear, they assumed it was Vivian Malone. But, Malone did not wear glasses and as the woman turned towards the audience, reporters realized this woman was not Vivian Malone.
While we know Barnes graduated, her life and career remain a mystery.
Dr. Samuel William Sullivan, Jr., SOM class of 1970Dale and Sullivan make history
Richard Charles Dale and Samuel William Sullivan, Jr. were the first Black/African American students to graduate from the School of Medicine in 1970.
Both men were Parker High School graduates, the first Black/African American public high school in Birmingham. Dale and Sullivan were college roommates at Howard University. After some encouragement from Sullivan, Dale joined him in applying to the Medical College of Alabama.
In a 2019 edition of the MAA's Informal Rounds, Sullivan said he never experienced segregation during his time at UAB. “Leadership made it clear they wanted all 77 of us to finish. You got the impression you were well received and expected to graduate—that everybody was."
In 1970, UAB awarded its first degrees as an autonomous university to 478 graduates, which included both Dale and Sullivan. After graduation, Samuel Sullivan practiced as an OB/GYN physician in Birmingham, and became obstetrical director at Cooper Green Hospital. Throughout his life, he has worked to tear down racial obstacles in medicine.
Both men pioneered the way at UAB with their courage and bravery. Dale, who passed away in 2005, was known as a good doctor and great friend. Sullivan remains active in the UAB School of Medicine Medical Alumni Association.