John A. Kenney Jr. facts for kids

John Andrew Kenney Jr. (born October 8, 1914 – died November 29, 2003) was an American skin doctor, also known as a dermatologist. He taught at Howard University for many years. He was especially known for studying skin problems that affect people from different backgrounds.

Dr. Kenney was one of the first African-American doctors to get special training in dermatology. Many of his students and colleagues called him the "dean of black dermatology." This means he was seen as a very important leader and teacher in his field for African-American doctors.

Early Life and Education

John Kenney Jr. was born in Tuskegee, Alabama, on October 8, 1914. He was the oldest of four children. His parents, John A. Kenney Sr. and Frieda Armstrong Kenney, were also important figures in African-American medicine.

His father, John A. Kenney Sr., joined the Tuskegee Institute after being invited by its founder, Booker T. Washington. He later became the medical director and chief surgeon there. John Jr.'s mother, Frieda, graduated from Boston University. She was one of the first black women to do so. She also taught at the Tuskegee Institute.

In 1923, John Jr.'s family moved to Montclair, New Jersey. They moved because they faced danger from a hate group. John Jr. went to Montclair High School there.

He later studied chemistry and biology at Bates College, graduating in 1942. In 1945, he earned his medical degree from Howard University. While at Howard, he was a member of two important honor societies: Alpha Omega Alpha and Kappa Pi.

Career as a Doctor and Teacher

From 1946 to 1948, Dr. Kenney taught biochemistry at Howard University. He also worked as an assistant editor for the Journal of the National Medical Association from 1947 to 1952.

In 1953, he opened his own office in Cleveland, Ohio. There, he helped people with skin conditions.

Dr. Kenney returned to Howard University in 1961 as an assistant professor. He continued to teach there for nearly 40 years. From 1962 to 1963, he served as president of the National Medical Association. This was special because his father had also been president of this association.

By 1973, Dr. Kenney successfully created a separate dermatology department. This department was at Howard's Howard University Hospital. He led the dermatology division for 12 years. After that, he became the first chairman of the dermatology department for five years. He stepped down as chairman in 1980. Dr. Kenney continued to practice as a skin doctor in Washington, D.C. until 1999.

Awards and Recognition

In 1970, Dr. Kenney made history by becoming the first black member of the American Academy of Dermatology. This is a very important group for skin doctors. In 1995, they honored him as a Master of Dermatology.

He also received the Finnerwood Award from the Dermatology Foundation in 1988. In 2001, he was given the Gold Medal by the American Academy of Dermatology. These awards show how much he contributed to medicine.

Family Life and Legacy

John Kenney Jr. married Larcenia Ferne Wood in 1943. They were married until she passed away in 2000. They had three children: Frances, John III, and Anne.

Dr. Kenney Jr. died on November 29, 2003, at his home in Washington, D.C. He was 89 years old.

His impact on medicine was huge. An article in The Washington Post said that about 300 black dermatologists were practicing in the United States in 2003. It was estimated that Dr. Kenney had taught or guided about one-third of them. He truly helped shape the future of dermatology for many.