Submitted by: Sandra F. Beckard
M. Reeves, daughter of Jonathan and Norma Reeves, celebrate their graduation with honors from the Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine (TUCVM).
The TUCVM was established in 1945 to train and educate Black Americans. At that time, due to segregation and other racial impediments, they did not have other opportunities to study veterinary medicine. At that time, the TUCVM was one of 10 veterinary schools in the U.S., and it is estimated that there were fewer than five Black American veterinarians in the South. Today, nearly 75% of all Black Veterinarians receive their degrees from this institution. That number only represents 2.2% of all veterinarians in this country.
The first graduates of the five included one female who completed the program with the DVM degree in 1949. That female was Dr. Alfreda Johnson Webb, the first Black woman licensed to practice veterinary medicine in the US. Today, we don’t know how many Black American females were in the graduating Class of 2025, because the college accepts other groups. We do know two from Huntsville, AL, who graduated with honors and will be carrying the banner as a tribute to the accomplishments of Dr. Webb. Seventy-six years after she made that giant step. Congratulations to Raven Nakai Griffin, the daughter of Timothy and Raven Griffin, and Jaelyn M. Reeves, the daughter of Jonathan and Norma Reeves.
When asked why they wanted to become a veterinarian, Reeves stated that she “loved animals and wanted to be a voice for the voiceless…” Griffin said, “She saw a need for people to stand in the gap. Our pets have become a part of our family and love us unconditionally. Just like our human family members, our furry, scaly, and feathered ones also deserve quality healthcare and avocations.” Two friends united for one cause.