Byllye Avery facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Byllye Avery
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| Born | October 20, 1937 Waynesville, Georgia, U.S.
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| Alma mater | University of Florida Talladega College |
| Known for | National Black Women's Health Project |
Byllye Yvonne Avery (born October 20, 1937) is an American activist who works to improve health care. She strongly believes in "reproductive justice." This means everyone should have fair access to health services. She has worked hard to create health programs and education. These programs help Black women with their physical and mental health.
Byllye Avery is most famous for starting the National Black Women's Health Project (NBWHP). This was the first national group focused on Black women's health. For her important work, she has received many awards. These include the MacArthur Foundation's Fellowship for Social Contribution. She also received the Gustav O. Lienhard Award from the Institute of Medicine.
Early Life and Education
Byllye Avery was born in Waynesville, Georgia. She grew up on a farm in DeLand, Florida. Her mother, L. Alyce M. Ingram, was a schoolteacher. Her father, Quitman Reddick, owned a local store. He passed away when Byllye was 14 years old. As the oldest of three children, Byllye took on many responsibilities early in life.
She went to Talladega College and earned her degree in psychology in 1959. While at Talladega, she met Wesley Avery. They got married in 1960.
In 1967, Byllye Avery received a special scholarship. This allowed her to study special education at the University of Florida Gainesville. She earned her master's degree in 1969. After that, she became a special education teacher. In 1970, her husband passed away suddenly. He was only 33 years old. This sad event made her even more determined to help improve health care and education for Black communities.
Later, Byllye Avery married Ngina Lythcott in 2005. Ngina Lythcott is also an expert in public health and an activist.
Awards and Honors
Byllye Avery has received many important awards for her work:
- 1989: MacArthur Foundation's Fellowship for Social Contribution
- 1989: Essence Award for Community Service
- 1994: Gustav O. Lienhard Award for the Advancement of Health Care
- 1994: Grassroots Realist Award by the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus
- 1995: Dorothy I. Height Lifetime Achievement Award
- 1995: President's Citation of the American Public Health Association
- 1998: Business and Professional Women's New Horizons Award
- 2008: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Impact Award from the Chicago Foundation for Women
- 2010: Audre Lorde Spirit of Fire Award from the Fenway Health Center
