Jean Smith Young facts for kids

Jean Smith Young, born in 1942, is an American doctor who helps children with their minds (a psychiatrist). She is also a writer and worked hard for civil rights. She was part of a group called the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) during a special time in 1964 called "Freedom Summer."

Early Life and School

Jean Smith Young was born Jean Wheeler in 1942. She grew up in Detroit, with her mom, who was a nurse. Her dad was a pilot called a Tuskegee Airman. He sadly died during World War II. Jean went to Cass Technical High School. After graduating in 1961, she went to Howard University on a full scholarship.

At Howard University, Jean was very active. She joined a group called the Nonviolent Action Group (NAG). She was also on the student council. Jean and other young women stood up against old rules. For example, the Dean of Women, Patricia Roberts Harris, asked Jean to straighten her natural hair. Jean refused. She graduated with high honors in 1965. By then, Ms. Harris had become an important helper for Jean.

Working for Change

After joining NAG at Howard, Jean became a field worker for SNCC in 1963. She worked as an organizer until 1967. She helped people register to vote in Georgia. Later, she moved to Mississippi.

Jean was a leader in a big effort to register voters in Philadelphia, Mississippi, in 1964. This project faced a lot of danger. Three civil rights workers were kidnapped and killed there. Jean had to put a chair under her door at night to feel safe. While in Philadelphia, she also helped start a Freedom School. This was a special school for Black children.

Jean once said SNCC was "a liberating experience for me as a woman." But she left the group in the late 1960s. She felt that women were starting to have fewer leadership roles.

Her Writing

Jean started writing and publishing her work while she was still involved in the civil rights movement. In 1964, her essay "And Let Us All Be Black Together" was published. It appeared in a magazine called Negro Digest. She had several stories published in that magazine. In 1967, she also had an essay in Redbook magazine.

Her most famous story is "That She Would Dance No More." It was published in 1967. This story talks about difficult topics. It explores self-destruction and unfair treatment of women. Her other stories also look at tough issues. They show how unfair patterns have affected Black history in the United States.

Later Career

Later, Jean went back to school. She earned a master's degree. Then she went to George Washington University School of Medicine to become a doctor. Today, she works as a doctor in Maryland. She specializes in helping children and teenagers with their mental health.