Artishia Gilbert facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Artishia Garcia Gilbert
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Artishia Garcia Gilbert
June 2, 1868 |
| Died | April 2, 1904 (aged 35) |
| Nationality | American |
| Other names | Artishia Gilbert Wilkerson, A. G. Gilbert, A. G. Wilkerson |
| Occupation | teacher, physician |
| Years active | 1890–1904 |
| Known for | first African-American woman licensed and practicing medicine in Kentucky |
Artishia Garcia Gilbert (1868–1904) was an amazing African-American woman from Kentucky. She is known for likely being the first black woman allowed to practice medicine in her state. Artishia worked hard, earning her first degrees in Kentucky. Later, she went to Washington, D.C., to get her medical degree. While studying, she also taught at her old school. After becoming a doctor, she continued to teach and help people as a physician in Louisville.
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Artishia Gilbert's Early Life
Artishia Garcia Gilbert was born on June 2, 1868. Her birthplace was Manchester, in Clay County, Kentucky. Her parents were Amanda (Hopper) and William Gilbert. She was the younger of two children.
Her parents were farmers. Until Artishia was six, her father moved the family often. They did not have one fixed home. In each new place, Artishia met local teachers. She quickly learned to spell and read. In 1878, her family moved to Louisville. She then went to public schools for three years.
Becoming a Student and Graduate
In 1881, Artishia became a Christian. She then joined the Normal and Theological Institute. This school was run by Rev. William J. Simmons. It was later known as State University.
In 1885, she finished the Normal School part of her studies. Then she enrolled in university courses. While she was a student, Artishia taught Sunday school. She also took on jobs to help her mother pay for her tuition. In 1889, she graduated with an A.B. degree. She was the best student in her class, known as the valedictorian.
Artishia Gilbert's Career
After finishing her first degree, Artishia started working. She became an editor for a magazine called Our Women and Children. But in 1890, she got an offer to teach. She decided to teach English and Greek grammar at her old school, State University.
Artishia was a popular speaker. She often spoke at events for the Women's Baptist Educational Convention. She traveled and spoke to many groups across the South. She also represented her school at the National Baptist Conventions.
Leadership and Medical Studies
Artishia was a leader at State University. She was a matron, which means she helped manage the living areas for students. She also served on the board of the Colored Orphan's Home. She was president of several women's groups too. She was involved with many clubs, like the Bell Embroidery Club and the Women's Improvement Club.
Artishia continued her education. She attended the Louisville National Medical College. This was an African-American run medical school. In 1893, she earned her Artium Magiste degree there. After passing her exam, she received her medical license. This was likely the first medical license given to an African-American woman in Kentucky.
Practicing Medicine and Further Education
Artishia opened her own medical practice. It was located at 938 Dumesnil Street in Louisville. She was listed as a doctor at this address until 1902. In 1896, she decided to study even more. She went to Howard University in Washington, D. C.. She earned her Doctor of Medicine degree there in 1897.
While in Washington, D.C., she met Bernard Orange "B. O." Wilkerson. They got married on June 1, 1897, in New York City. After their marriage, Artishia returned to Louisville. She worked as an assistant to a professor. This professor taught about childbirth at State University's Medical Department. She was also the superintendent of the Red Cross Sanitarium of Louisville. Artishia had three children: B. O. Jr., Artishia Garcia Jr., and a baby boy.
Artishia Gilbert's Death
Artishia Gilbert passed away two weeks after her youngest child was born. Her funeral was held on April 2, 1904. Many people attended, including her family, friends, and colleagues.
