Sophie Redmond facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sophie Redmond
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Image of Sophie Redmond (right)
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| Born |
Jeane Sophie Everdine Redmond
14 January 1907 |
| Died | 18 September 1955 (aged 48) Paramaribo, Suriname
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| Occupation | Physician, activist, politician, playwright, actress |
Jeane Sophie Everdine Redmond (born January 14, 1907 – died September 18, 1955) was a brave and smart woman from Suriname. She became a doctor and helped many people. She was also an activist, a writer, and an actress. Sophie worked hard to make life better for everyone in her country.
Contents
Becoming a Doctor and Helping Others
Early Life and Big Dreams
Sophie Redmond was born in Paramaribo, Suriname. Her father was a teacher. He wanted Sophie to become a teacher too. But Sophie had a different dream: she wanted to be a physician. Her father worried that a black woman might not be able to become a doctor back then.
After finishing high school in 1925, Sophie started studying at the Geneeskundige School. The school's principal at first did not want to let her in. But Sophie was determined!
A Doctor for Everyone
After ten years of hard work, Sophie graduated in 1935. She was the fifth woman to graduate from that school. She was also the first black woman to become a doctor there. Soon after, she opened her own doctor's office in Paramaribo.
In 1941, she married Louis Emile Monkau. They did not have children.
Sophie was known as sie datra fu pôtisma, which means "doctor of the poor." She often treated people who couldn't pay for her help. Her office became a place where people could get advice. She helped with health problems, marriage issues, and even money troubles.
Sharing Knowledge on the Radio
In the late 1940s, Sophie started a weekly radio show. It was on the Surinamese radio station AVROS. Her show was called Datra, mi wan’ aksi wan sani, meaning "Doctor, I want to ask something." On the show, she answered questions in Sranan Tongo, the local Creole language.
Sophie also taught health lessons to members of her church. She joined the board of the Surinamese water company. She also helped with social groups, like a children's home.
A Passion for Culture and Arts
Theater and Plays
Sophie loved music and art. Her father wanted her to play the piano. But Sophie chose to play the violin instead. She became a board member of a theater group called Thalia.
Sophie wrote several plays and acted in them too. In 1948, she was in a play called Misi Jana e go na stembus. This play helped teach people about voting. Other plays she wrote also taught important lessons. For example, Grontapoe na asi tere explained how a new blood donation service worked.
Standing Up for Surinamese Culture
Sophie Redmond worked hard to make sure Surinamese culture was respected. She wanted to keep the Sranan Tongo language alive. She also promoted the self-confidence of the Afro-Surinamese people.
She often wore the koto, a traditional Afro-Surinamese dress. She even organized events to encourage others to wear these clothes. Sophie also promoted local foods. She made dishes using products from Suriname and avoided buying imported food. She even planned to study Surinamese herbs for science.
A Short Try in Politics
In 1950, Sophie tried to become a politician. She ran as an independent candidate in the Surinamese elections. However, she did not win. During her election campaign, she faced many challenges. After that, she decided politics was not for her.
Sophie Redmond passed away in Paramaribo in 1955. She was 48 years old.
Remembering Sophie Redmond
Streets, Statues, and Awards
Sophie Redmond is still remembered today. In Paramaribo, the street where she lived is named after her: Dr. Sophie Redmondstraat. At the Academic Hospital Paramaribo in Paramaribo, there is a statue of her. It was made by the artist Jo Rens.
In Amsterdam, Netherlands, a square was named after her. In 2020, a special plaque was placed there to honor her.
The Golden Violin Needle
Since 2013, a group called Between The Lines has held an event every year. It's called the Dokter Sophie Redmond Lezing (Doctor Sophie Redmond Lecture). It takes place in Amsterdam. At this event, important women give speeches. They also give out an award called the Gouden Vioolspeld (Golden Violin Needle). This award goes to a woman who is a great role model. It celebrates women who have done amazing things for society or culture.
See also
In Spanish: Sophie Redmond para niños
