Honoring Vivien Thomas Throughout the World

Nearly overnight, Vivien Thomas went from anonymity to superstardom. Currently, there are dozens of other programs honoring Mr. Thomas at high schools and graduate and professional schools throughout the country, which boost and support non-traditional students in science and medicine. On the Vanderbilt campus, this photo shows that a campus street has been renamed Vivien Thomas Way. Even in the United Kingdom, there are Vivien Thomas Technical Leadership Programs.

          The brilliant and talented Mr. Thomas would be humbled by the number of young men and women he is elevating through the different programs named for him. His denial of credit, his emotional suffering, and his financial deprivation that he gracefully endured made him an unsung hero, worthy of the accolades he is belatedly receiving.