The Courageous Lives of Black Civil War Surgeons

Of some 12,000 Union Civil War surgeons, only 14 were Black men. Jill Newmark’s book Without Concealment, Without Compromise: The Courageous Lives of Black Civil War Surgeons (Southern Illinois Univ. Press, 2023) is the first-ever comprehensive exploration of the surgeon’s lives and service.

Newmark’s research uncovers stories hidden for more than 150 years, illuminating the unique experiences of proud, patriotic men who fought racism and discrimination to attend medical school and serve with the US military.

Their efforts and actions influenced societal change and forged new pathways for African Americans. Newmark presents all available information about the surgeons’ early lives, influences, education, Civil War service, and post-war experiences.

Many of the stories overlap, as did the lives of the men. Each man, through his service as a surgeon during the war and his lifelong activism for freedom, justice, and equality, became a catalyst of change and a symbol of an emancipated future.

The Massachusetts Historical Society will host “Without Concealment, Without Compromise: The Courageous Lives of Black Civil War Surgeons,” a program with Jill Newmark set for Wednesday, June 7th.

This program will begin at 6 pm, and will be held both in-person and virtually. Tickets are $10 for in-person attendance, free for virtual. For more information or to register, click here.