How Black Pharmacists Helped Power Civil Rights and Health Equity

Disclaimer: the views of this video are those of John Clark and not the institution

Black pharmacists have played a powerful yet often overlooked role at the intersection of health care, civil rights, and social justice. Drawing on more than 12 years of research in Black pharmacy history, John E. Clark, PharmD, MS, FASHP, FFSHP, an associate professor at Taneja College of Pharmacy at the University of South Florida, explores how Black pharmacists have long been central to both community health and the struggle for equality in the United States.

Clark explains that many Black pharmacists viewed community health as a civil right, not just a service. Historically, Black communities relied on these pharmacists as trusted professionals—often calling them “doctor”—because they were among the few accessible Black health experts. Their pharmacies became vital community hubs where health, politics, and social change converged. He identifies 3 key ways Black pharmacists contributed to the Civil Rights Movement and broader social justice efforts.

First, a small but important number stepped into political leadership, running for office to influence laws and policies affecting Black health and well-being. Second, many used their stores as sites for voter registration drives, leveraging their status and locations to expand political participation. Third, they engaged in health equity and anti-poverty work, addressing root causes of poor health such as housing, education, and discrimination.

Connecting past to present, Clark highlights today’s challenges—pharmacy closures, loss of insurance, and widening gaps in care—as modern echoes of earlier struggles. These pressures on access to care reinforce the need to understand and reclaim the legacy of Black pharmacists as civil rights actors.

“Throughout history, you will find that they will always refer to [pharmacists] as doctor because they were part of the small group of Black professionals that people could go to for their health concerns,” Clark said. “It's important that young Black pharmacists recognize that and…are carrying out the legacy of those from the past.”