Ethelene Crockett facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ethelene Jones Crockett
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| Born | September 26, 1914 |
| Died | December 28, 1978 (aged 64) Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
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| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | Jackson College(1934) University of Michigan Howard University College of Medicine |
| Occupation | physician |
| Spouse(s) | |
| Children | 3, including George Crockett III |
Ethelene Jones Crockett (1914–1978) was an American doctor and activist from Detroit. She was a pioneer, becoming Michigan's first African-American female doctor specializing in women's health (OB/GYN). She was also the first woman to lead the American Lung Association. In 1988, Dr. Crockett was honored by being added to the Michigan Women's Hall of Fame after her death.
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Early Life and Learning
Ethelene Jones was born in 1914. She grew up in Jackson, Michigan, and went to Jackson High School. After high school, she attended Jackson Junior College (now Jackson College), finishing in 1934.
She then went to the University of Michigan, where she met and married George Crockett Jr. In 1942, when she was 28, married, and a mother of three, Dr. Crockett started medical school at Howard University.
After medical school, it was hard for her to find a hospital in Detroit that would accept her for a residency program. This was because she was African American and a woman. She completed her training in women's health at Sydenham Hospital in New York.
Medical Career and Impact
After her training, Dr. Crockett became Michigan's first African-American woman to be officially certified in women's health. She practiced medicine in Detroit for many years, helping countless patients.
In 1960, Dr. Crockett joined 16 other African-American doctors on a study trip to Europe and the Soviet Union. This trip was organized by the National Medical Association. Their goal was to learn about new medical ideas and share best practices with doctors in other countries. It was also seen as a friendly visit to the Soviet Union.
From 1967 to 1970, Dr. Crockett led the Detroit Maternal Infant Care Project. This project focused on helping mothers and babies get good healthcare. She also helped create the Detroit Model Neighborhood Comprehensive Health Center, which aimed to provide complete health services to local communities. In the 1970s, she worked as a women's health doctor at Grace and Harper Hospital in Detroit.
Activism and Leadership
Dr. Crockett was very involved in many groups that worked on health and social issues. She strongly supported public daycare centers for working mothers. She also believed in family planning and often gave talks on these important topics.
In 1977, shortly before she passed away, Dr. Crockett was named president of the American Lung Association. She was the first woman to hold this important position in the organization, which had been around for over 70 years.
In November 1978, Dr. Crockett met with President Jimmy Carter at the White House. She spoke to him about the need for more money to fight tuberculosis, a serious lung disease. During this meeting, she presented President Carter with a sheet of the association's Christmas Seals, appearing with ventriloquist Shari Lewis and her puppet Lamb Chop.
Awards and Lasting Legacy
Dr. Crockett received many honors for her work and dedication.
- In 1971, the Detroit Free Press newspaper named her one of "Detroit’s Most Successful Women."
- In 1972, the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority in Detroit gave her the "Woman of the Year" award.
- In 1978, the Detroit Medical Society named her "Physician of the Year."
Dr. Crockett was also the main speaker at the Jackson College graduation ceremony in 1972. After her death in 1978, the college created a special yearly award in her honor. The Dr. Ethelene Jones Crockett Distinguished Alumni Award goes to former students who have made a positive difference in their community, state, or the world.
In 1980, the first Detroit Public School Vocational-Technical Center was named after Dr. Crockett. This center, called the Ethelene Jones Crockett Technical High School, trained students for health careers. Later, in 1992, the school's name was changed to Crockett Technical High School, and it was eventually renamed for Ben Carson.
In 1988, Dr. Crockett was officially added to the Michigan Women's Hall of Fame. She is still remembered as an important person in Detroit's history after World War II. Her story was recently shared in "Black Detroit," a book by Herb Boyd about the history of self-determination among Black people in the city.
