Black History Lesson: Augustus Nathaniel Lushington, first veterinarian in the U.S.
And what made him take on the role of a probation officer
One struggle I had while interviewing health professionals in my early years as a journalist was finding black-owned, woman-owned or small businesses that were veterinary facilities. Sure, there were veterinary offices in my South Side Chicago neighborhood, but I wasn’t seeing people who look like me. That has changed as an adult and after moving to a more diverse neighborhood.
It’s still ironic to me that I had to leave a predominantly Black neighborhood and move to a neighborhood filled with Black Americans, African Americans (born in Africa), Latinos (mainly Mexicans) and white people to see this. Now I see Black people in my go-to veterinary office all the time: front-desk receptionists and vet attendees. (Still no Black vets though.) It’s not uncommon for me to randomly chit-chat with a Black pet groomer either, in Chicago or everywhere else.
This lack of exposure came to mind while reading about the first Black veterinarian in the United States: Dr. Augustus Nathaniel Lushington. The Trinidadian earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1897. Later settling in New York, he graduated with a degree in agriculture from Cornell University three years before enrolling at the University of Pennsylvania to earn his DVM.
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But what caught my attention in a University of Missouri post was this line about what happened after he moved to Virginia and opened his own practice in Lynchburg: “The intense racism, however, forced him to work extra jobs as a meat inspector and probation officer.”
Recommended Read: “Black History Lesson: Dr. Alfreda Johnson Webb and veterinary history ~ Learn about one of the first Black women licensed to practice veterinary medicine in the country”
I could fake like I’m surprised by this news, but I’m not. He apparently still managed to maintain working in his field, moving on to work for the Bureau of Animal Industry and the Federal Department of Agriculture until his death in 1939, so at least he didn’t give up and give in to hatred around him.
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Recommended Read: “Celebrating the Eagles Win At the 2025 Super Bowl LIX? These Are the Best Places to Live In Pennsylvania”
A historical marker honoring his contributions is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series list. And if you’re taking a college tour, check out the portrait of Lushington at the entrance of the University of Pennsylvania main building.
Shamontiel is a dog lover to her core: 623 completed walks with 99 dogs, eight dog-housesittings and six dog boardings at the time of this publication.
Did you enjoy this post? You’re also welcome to check out my Substack columns “Black Girl In a Doggone World,” “BlackTechLogy,” “Homegrown Tales,” “I Do See Color,” “One Black Woman’s Vote” and “Window Shopping” too. Subscribe to this newsletter for the weekly posts every Wednesday. Thanks for reading!