Daniel Hale Williams

Claim to fame:

In 1893 Dr. Daniel Hale Williams performed the world's first successful open heart surgery.

George Washington Carver

Claim to fame:

George Washington Carver found more than 350 uses for peanuts, sweet potatoes, and pecans.

Lloyd Quarterman

Claim to fame:

In the 1930s Lloyd Quarterman helped develop the atomic bomb and the first nuclear reactor for atomic-powered submarines.

Percy Julian

Claim to fame:

In the 1930s Percy Julian found a drug used to treat glaucoma and improve memory in Alzheimer's patients.

Charles Drew

Claim to fame:

Dr. Drew's work with blood plasma and blood storage led to the development of blood banks in 1940.

Patricia Bath

Claim to fame:

In 1986 Dr. Bath developed the Laserphaco Probe, a laser used in cataract surgery.