Day 24 of Black History Month challenge: One black history post everyday for the entire month. . . Robert Tanner Freeman is the first professionally trained black dentist in the United States. Robert Tanner Freeman and classmate George Franklin Grant became the first blacks to enter the 1867 Harvard Dental School inaugural class of sixteen. Upon Freeman’s graduation in 1869, he and Grant became the first African American dentists in the United States. . . Dr. Freeman returned to Washington, D.C. after his graduation to open his own practice. He became a pillar in the D.C. black community because of his commitment to mentoring other African American youth interested in the medical profession. Unfortunately, his death came in 1873, only four years after he received his dental school degree. While working in Washington, D.C. he contracted a water-borne disease although the records are unclear as to the specific disease. . . Dr. Freeman’s legacy extends beyond his short life. He was honored by the National Dental Association, the all-black dental group which was founded in 1913 and is headquartered in Washington, D.C. Dr. Freeman’s grandson, Robert C. Weaver, became the first African American to serve as a member of the Presidential cabinet. . . #blackdentist #blackdentalhygienist #blackdentistry #dentalhygienist #harvard #harvarduniversity #dmv #washingtondc #niceteeth #nicesmile #robertfreeman #robert (at Washington D.C.) https://www.instagram.com/p/B89fhktgvMy/?igshid=gg35uh9pprr2