J. Blaine Blayton facts for kids
James Blaine Blayton (born August 13, 1905 – died December 15, 2002) was an important African-American doctor. He lived in the Grove community near Williamsburg, Virginia. Dr. Blayton practiced medicine for over 50 years. He was also a strong leader in his community. He helped many people, especially during a time when healthcare was not fair for everyone.
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About Dr. J. Blaine Blayton
His Early Life
J. Blaine Blayton was born in 1905 in what was called Indian Territory. This area is now the state of Oklahoma. He went to school in a small, two-room schoolhouse. Later, he earned both his college degree and his medical degree from Howard University. This famous university is located in Washington, D.C..
His Medical Career
Dr. Blayton started his medical practice in Virginia in the early 1900s. This was a time when many places in Virginia were still separated by race. These rules were known as Jim Crow laws. They meant that Black and white people had different facilities. These laws were later changed by new rules in the 1950s and 1960s.
Helping the Community in Williamsburg
In 1931, Dr. Blayton moved to Williamsburg during the Great Depression. African-American residents asked him to come. They had to travel far to Newport News, Virginia for medical care. Dr. Blayton and his family settled in the Grove community. This area was about 7 miles east of Williamsburg.
For 50 years, Dr. Blayton made house calls. He visited patients across a large area of Virginia. During President Franklin D. Roosevelt's time, he worked as a public health doctor. He even built the two-bed Blayton Maternity Hospital. This hospital was for the African-American community.
Opening a New Hospital
In 1952, Dr. Blayton opened a new 14-bed hospital. It had an emergency room in Williamsburg. This was important because African Americans could only get beds in the basement of the other local hospital. That hospital was run by a white doctor. Dr. Blayton also opened a sandwich and soda shop. This shop served young people who were not allowed in other places due to segregation.
Dr. Blayton's Medical Center Clinic was the main health center for African-American citizens. This lasted until 1961. That year, the Williamsburg Community Hospital opened. This new hospital allowed all people, regardless of race. Dr. Blayton helped raise money to build it. In 2006, a new, larger hospital replaced the 1961 facility. It is now called Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center.
Later, Dr. Blayton was chosen for the Virginia State Board of Medical Examiners. This appointment was made by Virginia Governor Chuck Robb. In 1999, he received the Healthcare Heroes Recognition Award. This award honored his great work in healthcare.
His Community Leadership
Dr. Blayton was also very active in his community outside of medicine. He cared about education and fun activities. He was the first African-American member of the James City County School Board. He helped raise money to build Quarterpath Park. He also worked for the Peninsula Boy Scouts for 25 years. He was a lifelong member of the NAACP.
His Family and Legacy
Dr. Blayton's family also made important contributions. In 1963, his son, Oscar H. Blayton, was the first African American to attend The College of William & Mary as an undergraduate. He later became a lawyer. Dr. Blayton's daughter, Betty Blayton-Taylor, was a well-known artist and teacher in New York City.
A building for senior citizens in Williamsburg was named the Blayton Building in his honor. In 2003, the Virginia General Assembly passed a special resolution. It celebrated the life of Dr. J. Blaine Blayton.
On October 2, 2010, a new elementary school was dedicated to him. The J. Blaine Blayton Elementary School can hold 700 students. It opened for students in the 2010-11 school year. This school was built to honor his lasting impact on the community.
