Frances Jones Bonner facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Frances Estelle Jones Bonner
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born | 1919 |
| Died | December 27, 2000 |
| Nationality | American |
| Citizenship | United States |
| Education | Bennett College (1939) |
| Alma mater | Boston University (1943) |
| Awards | Helen Putnam Fellowship |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Psychoanalysis |
| Institutions | Massachusetts General Hospital |
| Academic advisors | R. Nathaniel Dett Willa Beatrice Player |
Frances Jones Bonner (1919 – December 27, 2000) was an important American doctor. She was a psychoanalyst, which means she helped people understand their thoughts and feelings.
Early Life and Education
Frances Estelle Jones was born in 1919 in St. Louis, Missouri. Her parents were David Dallas Jones and Susie Pearl Willams. In 1926, her family moved to Greensboro, North Carolina. This was because her father became the President of Bennett College for Women. Her mother also worked at Bennett College as an administrator.
After finishing high school, Frances went to Bennett College. She was very active in school. She even played on the college's basketball team. In 1937, while still a student, Frances led a protest. She organized a boycott of movie theaters in downtown Greensboro. This was because of how black women were shown in films. Her advisors for this protest included R. Nathaniel Dett and Willa Beatrice Player. Willa Beatrice Player later became the college president.
Frances graduated from Bennett College in 1939. She then studied abroad for a year. When she returned, she was accepted into Boston University medical school. She earned her medical degree in 1943. After that, she trained to become a neurologist at Boston City Hospital. She finished her training in 1949.
A Groundbreaking Career
In 1949, after her training, Dr. Bonner was hired at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH). This was a very important step. She became the first African American woman to train and join the teaching staff at MGH.
During her time at MGH, she received a special award. She was the first person to win the Helen Putnam Fellowship from Radcliffe College. Dr. Bonner worked at Massachusetts General Hospital for 50 years. She helped many people throughout her long career.
Legacy and Recognition
Frances Jones Bonner passed away on December 27, 2000. To honor her important work, Massachusetts General Hospital created an award in her name. It is called the Frances J. Bonner, MD Award. This award celebrates her lasting impact.
