William G. Anderson facts for kids

William G. Anderson (born December 12, 1927) is an American doctor and surgeon. He made history as the first African-American to join the Board of Trustees of the American Osteopathic Association (AOA). He served on this board for twenty years and even became its president. Dr. Anderson is most famous for leading the Albany Movement, a major part of the Civil Rights Movement in Albany, Georgia, which started in 1961.

Who is William G. Anderson?

Early Life and Education

William G. Anderson was born in Americus, Georgia, on December 12, 1927. His parents were John D. Anderson and Emma Gilchrist Anderson.

He went to college at Alabama State College for Negroes, which is now called Alabama State University. He graduated in 1949. After that, he studied medicine at Des Moines University (DMU) in Des Moines, Iowa. He earned his medical degree from DMU's College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Medical Career and Leadership

Dr. Anderson became a respected leader in the medical field. He worked as an associate dean at the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine. He was also a professor of surgical specialties at Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine.

He helped create medical education programs for students and doctors in training. These programs were at several hospitals that later became part of the St. John Providence Health System. He also worked at the Michigan Osteopathic Medical Center.

Fighting for Civil Rights

Starting His Practice in Albany

Dr. Anderson is very well known for his important work in the Civil Rights Movement. In 1957, after finishing his medical training, he moved to Albany, Georgia. He wanted to open his own medical practice there.

However, Albany had very strict rules about segregation. This meant Black and white people were kept separate. Because of these unfair rules and racist attitudes, Dr. Anderson faced challenges in treating patients.

Leading the Albany Movement

Instead of giving up, Dr. Anderson decided to fight against this injustice. He became the founder and first president of the Albany Movement. This movement was a big effort by local activists to end segregation in Albany.

Dr. Anderson took part in many civil rights marches. He worked closely with the famous leader Martin Luther King Jr.. In December 1961, he was sent to prison. This happened after he and others walked to city hall in Albany to pray, which authorities called an "unlawful march."

Continued Activism and Legacy

Dr. Anderson also became a member of Physicians for Social Responsibility. This group works to promote peace and health.

He was a member of the board of directors at the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine in Virginia. He was also a faculty member at the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. This university now holds an annual lecture series about civil rights named in his honor.