WHo was the first black veterinarian?

While there's no definitive "first" black veterinarian, Dr. James Herman Dillard is often recognized as one of the earliest African American veterinarians in the United States.

Here's what we know:

* Dr. Dillard graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College in Canada in 1887. This makes him one of the earliest, if not the very first, Black veterinarian in the United States.

* He faced significant racial discrimination. He was denied admission to veterinary schools in the United States due to his race, forcing him to study in Canada.

* He established a successful practice in Washington, D.C. Dr. Dillard served the African American community and became a respected figure.

It's important to note that records from that era may not be complete, and there could have been other Black veterinarians practicing before Dr. Dillard. However, his story is a testament to the challenges and achievements of African Americans in the field of veterinary medicine.