Sara Winifred Brown facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sara Winifred Brown
|
|
|---|---|
Cornell Senior Photograph of Sara Winifred Brown, Class of 1897.
|
|
| Born | 1868 |
| Died | 1948 (aged 79–80) |
| Alma mater | |
| Occupation | Physician, professor |
Sara Winifred Brown (born 1868, died 1948) was an important African American teacher and doctor. She helped people during disasters and specialized in women's health. In 1910, she helped start a group that is now called the National Association of University Women. Later, in 1924, she became the first woman to be an alumni trustee at Howard University. This means she was chosen by former students to help lead the university.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Sara Winifred Brown was born in Winchester, Virginia. She went to Hampton University, which was then known as Hampton Normal and Agriculture Institute. She graduated with high honors.
After graduating, she taught English in Washington, D.C.. In 1894, she took a break from teaching to study at Cornell University. While at Cornell, she became very interested in biology. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in biology in 1897.
After Cornell, she returned to Washington, D.C., and taught biology. She then decided to study medicine. She enrolled at Howard University and became a medical doctor in 1904.
Career and Contributions
After becoming a doctor, Sara Winifred Brown started her own medical practice. She also continued to study other subjects like sociology and anthropology. In 1908, Howard University asked her to teach about women's health. She kept practicing medicine and teaching high school biology at the same time.
Helping to Form Important Groups
In 1910, Dr. Brown helped create the College Alumnae Club. This group later became known as the National Association of College Women. Today, it is called the National Association of University Women. This organization helps women who have graduated from college.
Service During Difficult Times
During World War I, Dr. Brown was chosen to be part of a special group called the "Flying Squadron." This group had 50 women who helped with war efforts.
In 1924, she made history again. She was elected to the board of Howard University. This made her the first woman to serve as an alumni trustee for the university.
In 1927, she joined a Red Cross team. They helped people affected by a huge flood in Mississippi and Louisiana. This shows her dedication to disaster relief.
In 1930, she joined a special trip to France. This trip was for "Gold Star Mothers." These were mothers who had lost a child serving in the military. Sara Winifred Brown passed away in 1948.
Lasting Legacy
The United States Department of Health and Human Services recognizes Sara Winifred Brown as an African American Pioneer in Health Care. This means she was one of the first important African Americans in the field of health.
In the 1950s, her brother, Dr. John William Brown, gave a large donation to Howard University. Because of this, Howard University renamed their Friendship Clinic to the Sara Winifred Brown Memorial Clinic. This clinic helps many people.
In 2010, the National Association of University Women celebrated their 100th anniversary. To honor Dr. Brown's efforts in starting their organization, they planted a tree and placed a plaque.
