1928-

African-American Pharmacologist

Emmanuel B. Thompson is a pharmacologist and educator known for his research leading toward treatments for high blood pressure and sickle-cell anemia. Both diseases, particularly the latter, have a high rate of incidence among African Americans, and Thompson has published numerous studies regarding these conditions. In addition, he has conducted important research on drug screening, and published a textbook on the subject.

The oldest of five children, Thompson was born on March 15, 1928, in the town of Zaria in the northern part of what became Nigeria after the British decolonized that nation two decades later. His father was a successful merchant for the United Africa Company, which purchased the agricultural products of the area and sold manufactured goods from outside to the locals. Thompson attended a Roman Catholic school, where he took an early interest in biology—an interest that was piqued...