2024 Documentaries (Documents)

The Untold Story of Alice Ball and her groundbreaking contributions to Chemistry

Williams, Salimah

Alice Ball, an African-American chemist, made a groundbreaking contribution to the treatment of leprosy (Hansen’s disease) through her development of the "Ball Method," an injectable and more effective form of chaulmoogra oil. Born in 1892, Ball excelled in chemistry, becoming the first African-American and the first woman to earn a master’s degree in chemistry from the University of Hawaii. Her research provided a vital breakthrough in leprosy treatment, offering relief to patients previously isolated on Hawaii’s Kalaupapa peninsula. Despite her pivotal discovery, her work was initially overshadowed when Arthur Dean, a former University of Hawaii president, took credit for it. Recognition of Ball’s contributions was restored decades later, and her legacy continues through various honors, including Alice Ball Day and the establishment of a university scholarship in her name. Ball’s story exemplifies the overlooked contributions of Black scientists in public health and chemistry, underscoring the importance of recognizing historically marginalized innovators. You can learn more about the Untold Stories project on the website: https://www.publichealth.columbia.edu/academics/departments/health-policy-management/news-events/untold-stories