First African-American graduate of IU School of Medicine
Dr. Jeremiah Jackson (1870-1956) was the first African-American graduate of Indiana University’s School of Medicine. Born Feb. 23, 1870, in Jeffersonville, Indiana, a young Jeremiah Jackson moved to Ellettsville with his father. His mother passed away before making the trip, and his father died a few years after settling in Monroe County. The town rallied around Jackson and encouraged him to finish his education. He graduated from Ellettsville High School as valedictorian and was the school’s first black graduate. A physician in Ellettsville, Dr. W. L. Whitted, inspired Jackson to pursue a medical career. Jackson worked as the doctor’s stable boy and was responsible for taking him to see patients. In 1897, he became the first African-American graduate of the Indiana University School of Medicine. After graduation, Jackson moved to Evansville, Indiana. He often visited Ellettsville and was a familiar sight at the town’s annual Fall Festival. Jackson passed away in 1956 and was remembered for never refusing to aid a patient because of their skin color or lack of funds.