Jane E. Mitchell facts for kids

Jane Evelyn Watson Mitchell (born in 1921, died November 13, 2004) was an amazing American nurse. She made history as the very first African-American nurse to work in the state of Delaware. Later in her career, she became the director of nursing at the Delaware State Psychiatric Hospital. Jane Mitchell was also a dedicated civil rights activist and a helpful volunteer.

Early Life and Education

Jane Evelyn Watson Mitchell was born in 1921 in Coatesville, Pennsylvania. She grew up in Wilmington, Delaware. In 1944, she finished her nursing training. She graduated from the nursing school at Provident Hospital. This hospital was in Baltimore and served the Black community.

After her training, Mitchell wanted to work in Delaware. However, she faced a big challenge. Hospitals in Delaware told her they did not hire African-American nurses. Because of this, she had to find work elsewhere. She worked at a Jewish hospital in Philadelphia instead.

Breaking Barriers in Nursing

In 1949, things changed for Jane Mitchell. Dr. Mesrop A. Tarumianz was looking for nurses. He needed nurses who understood psychology. He hired Mitchell to work at the Governor Bacon Health Center. This was a very important moment. Jane Mitchell became the first African-American nurse to work in a Delaware hospital.

She also became the first Black nurse to care for patients of all races. This happened in a state hospital. In 1963, she moved to the Delaware State Psychiatric Hospital. That same year, she earned her bachelor's degree. She studied at the University of Delaware. Later, she earned her master's degree from Washington College.

In 1969, Jane Mitchell was given a big promotion. She was named the director of nursing for the Psychiatric Hospital. She retired from this role in 1979. Even after retiring, she continued to help. She volunteered for the Delaware State Board of Nursing.

Civil Rights Activism

Jane Mitchell was not just a nurse. She was also a strong civil rights activist. She worked alongside her husband, Littleton P. Mitchell. They fought for equal rights for all people.

She took part in sit-ins and protests. These were peaceful ways to demand change. Her husband, Littleton, was a long-time leader. He led the NAACP in Delaware. The NAACP is a group that works for civil rights.

Legacy and Recognition

Jane and Littleton Mitchell were married in 1943. They had one child together, named Philip. Jane Mitchell passed away at her home in Delaware City on November 13, 2004. Senator Joe Biden spoke at her funeral.

Her contributions were remembered in many ways. In 1998, a new part of the Psychiatric Hospital was built. It was named "the Jane Mitchell building" in her honor. In March 2000, she was recognized again. She was inducted into the Hall of Fame of Delaware Women.

Today, the Jane and Littleton Mitchell Center for African American Heritage in Delaware is named after both her and her husband. This center helps preserve the history of African Americans. It shows how important their work was.