This Black History Month we look back at the medical achievements of African Americans throughout history, including Dr. Daniel Hale Williams, the first surgeon to perform open-heart surgery. | Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois

Dr. Daniel Hale Williams performed one of the first successful open-heart surgeries—at a time when Black doctors weren’t even allowed in most hospitals. But how many of us were ever taught that? This is one of those Black history facts not taught in school. He didn’t just save lives—he built the first Black-owned hospital with an interracial staff, creating space when none was given. As we honor Black history month, it’s time to highlight Black history facts you didn’t know, Black history month