A Legacy of Medicine and Civil Rights

In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, it's fitting to recognize individuals who have significantly contributed to the civil rights movement alongside King. One such figure is Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences alumnus, William G. Anderson, D.O.'56, an esteemed osteopathic physician and a pivotal civil rights leader.

Born in 1927 in Americus, Georgia, Anderson pursued a career in medicine, earning his Doctor of Osteopathy degree from DMU in 1956. His medical journey was paralleled by a profound commitment to civil rights. In 1961, Anderson became the first president of the Albany Movement in Georgia, a coalition aimed at desegregating the city of Albany. Under his leadership, the movement orchestrated protests and demonstrations challenging systemic racial segregation. During this period, Anderson collaborated closely with King and Rev. Ralph David Abernathy, enduring arrests and significant personal risks to advance the cause of equality.

Anderson's contributions extended beyond activism. He made history as the first African American to serve as president of the American Osteopathic Association from 1994 to 1995. In recognition of his enduring impact, in 2009 DMU named Anderson a Pioneer of Osteopathic Medicine and Public Service. His dual legacy in medicine and civil rights exemplifies a lifelong dedication to service and justice.

To gain a deeper understanding of Anderson's remarkable journey and his reflections on the civil rights era, we invite you to watch the following video: