Gertrude Curtis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gertrude Curtis
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Gertrude Curtis, from a 1910 newspaper.
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| Born | March 1, 1880 |
| Died | August 3, 1973 |
| Nationality | American |
| Other names | Gertrude Curtis McPherson (using 1st husband's legal surname) |
| Occupation | Dentist |
| Spouse(s) | Cecil Mack Ulysses "Slow Kid" Thompson |
Gertrude Elizabeth Curtis (born March 1, 1880 – died August 3, 1973) was an important American dentist. She was also known as Gertrude Curtis McPherson. She had a dental office in Harlem, New York, for many years.
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Early Life and Education
Gertrude Curtis grew up in Bradford, Pennsylvania. Her parents were Stephen and Agnes Elizabeth Curtis. Her father worked as a barber.
She studied dentistry at the New York College of Dental and Oral Surgery. She graduated in 1909. This was a big achievement! She became the first Black woman to get a license to practice dentistry in New York State. A license means you have official permission to do a job.
Her Amazing Career
After finishing dental school, Gertrude Curtis started working right away. She ran a dental clinic once a week at Bellevue Hospital. She also opened her own dental practice in Harlem, where she helped many people for a long time.
Community and Political Work
Gertrude Curtis was not just a dentist; she was also very active in her community and in politics.
- She was chosen as a delegate for the Republican State Convention in 1918. A delegate is someone who represents a group of people.
- She also represented the Roosevelt Colored Women's Republican Club at a big meeting called the 1920 Republican National Convention in Chicago.
- In 1932, she became the president of the Business and Professional Women's Club in Harlem.
- She was a member of the NAACP. This group works to protect the rights of Black people.
- She gave talks about health at places like the YWCA and Mother Zion Church.
- She helped raise money for the Sojourner Truth Home, which was a place for young women who needed help.
- She was also involved with the Harlem Experimental Theatre, which was a group that put on plays.
Supporting the Arts
Gertrude Curtis also helped her husband, who was a musician.
- In 1921, she helped promote a special show called Shuffle Along. This show raised money for the NAACP.
- She traveled with a show on its tour in Europe in 1923.
- Later, in 1929 and 1930, she directed a choir during another show's tour in Europe.
Her Personal Life
Gertrude Curtis married "Charleston" composer Cecil Mack (whose real name was Richard Cecil McPherson) in 1912. He passed away in 1944.
In 1946, she married dancer Ulysses "Slow Kid" Thompson. He was the husband of the famous performer Florence Mills, who had passed away earlier.
Gertrude Curtis lived a long and busy life. She died in 1973 when she was 93 years old.
