Amanda Gray Hilyer

Amanda Gray Hilyer

Amanda Gray Hilyer (1888–1971) was an African American pharmacist and community leader in Washington, D.C. She was one of the first African American women to become a licensed pharmacist in the United States and played a significant role in the healthcare and social services of her community.

Early Life

Amanda Gray Hilyer was born in 1888 in Washington, D.C. She grew up in a period of significant racial segregation and limited opportunities for African Americans, particularly women. Despite these challenges, she pursued an education and career in pharmacy, a field that was predominantly male and white at the time.

Education

Hilyer attended Howard University, a historically black university in Washington, D.C., where she earned her degree in pharmacy. Howard University was one of the few institutions that provided higher education opportunities to African Americans during the early 20th century.

Career

After graduating, Amanda Gray Hilyer became one of the first African American women to be licensed as a pharmacist in the United States. She opened her own pharmacy in Washington, D.C., which served the African American community. Her pharmacy not only provided medications but also served as a community hub where people could receive medical advice and support.

Community Involvement

Hilyer was deeply involved in her community. She was a member of several organizations, including the National Association of Colored Women and the NAACP. She worked tirelessly to improve healthcare and social services for African Americans in Washington, D.C. Her efforts included advocating for better healthcare facilities and services for the African American community.

Legacy

Amanda Gray Hilyer's contributions to pharmacy and her community have left a lasting impact. She broke barriers for African American women in the field of pharmacy and was a pioneer in providing healthcare services to underserved communities. Her work paved the way for future generations of African American pharmacists and healthcare professionals.

See Also

• Howard University
• National Association of Colored Women
• NAACP
• African American history
• Pharmacy

Related Pages

• Howard University
• National Association of Colored Women
• NAACP
• African American history
• Pharmacy