Josephine English facts for kids
Josephine English (1920-2011) was an important American doctor. She was a gynecologist, which means she specialized in women's health. Dr. English was the first black woman to open her own medical office in New York City. She was also known for her work in real estate and helping with health care. Besides her medical work, she was very generous and supported the arts. Later in her career, her medical center faced some money problems.
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Her Early Life and Education
Josephine English was born on December 17, 1920. Her parents were Jennie and Whittie Sr. She grew up in Ontario, Virginia. In 1939, her family moved to Englewood, New Jersey. They were one of the first black families to live there.
Dr. English went to Hunter College and earned her first degree in 1949. She then studied Psychology at New York University, getting her Master's degree. She first wanted to be a psychiatrist, a doctor who helps with mental health. But at Meharry Medical College, she found a passion for women's health. She earned her medical degree there and became a gynecologist.
Her Medical Career
Dr. English started her medical practice at Harlem Hospital. In 1956, she opened a women's health clinic in Bushwick, a neighborhood in Brooklyn. Twenty years later, she opened another clinic in Fort Greene, also in Brooklyn.
During her long career, Dr. English helped deliver about 6,000 babies. Some of the famous people whose children she delivered include Malcolm X, Betty Shabazz, and Lynn Nottage. In 1986, she made history again. The New York State Department of Health gave her a special license. This allowed her to open her own surgical center. She was the first minority person and the first woman to receive this honor.
Helping Others Through Philanthropy
Dr. English cared deeply about health care. This led her to create the Adelphi Medical Center. She also started programs to help children, like the Up the Ladder Day Care and After School Program.
She also loved theater. She took an old, run-down church and turned it into the Paul Robeson Theater. She helped actors put on plays that taught people important lessons. These plays often focused on topics like health and nutrition.
Her Legacy
Josephine English received several awards for her contributions. She won the African Community Contribution Award. She also received the Lucille Mason Rose Community Activist Award. To continue her important work, the Josephine English Foundation was created in 1996. This foundation helps support the causes she believed in.
Her Passing
Josephine English passed away on December 18, 2011. She was 91 years old. She died at the Dr. Susan Smith McKinney Nursing & Rehabilitation Center. She was recovering there after having surgery.
