Honoring Dr. Matilda Evans at Camp Creek AME Zion Church
Dr. Walter B. Curry Jr. will speak about Dr. Matilda Arabella Evans, South Carolina’s first Black female doctor, during a Black history program at Camp Creek AME Zion Church. The event will take place on Sunday, Feb. 23, at 11 a.m. at 4022 Demount Road in Lancaster, SC.
The program aims to educate the public on Dr. Evans’ groundbreaking contributions to medicine and her fight for better healthcare for African Americans. Dr. Curry, along with co-authors Beverly Aiken Muhammad and Anusha Ghosh, has written a book detailing her life and work. The book, published by Arcadia Publishing, has already sold out its first batch and is available for pre-order on Amazon.
The Life and Legacy of Dr. Matilda Evans
Born in 1872, just four years after the end of slavery, Dr. Matilda Arabella Evans grew up on a family farm in Aiken County, South Carolina. She became the first Black woman in the state to obtain a medical license, breaking racial and gender barriers in a deeply segregated society.
Dr. Evans dedicated her career to improving healthcare access for African Americans, particularly children. She believed in community-centered healthcare and opened several clinics that provided free medical services. Her advocacy extended beyond medicine as she worked tirelessly to uplift her community through education and public health initiatives.
A Trailblazer in Healthcare and Community Advocacy
Dr. Evans’ innovative approach to medicine set her apart as a leader in her field. She established Columbia Clinic Association, one of the first African American-owned hospitals in South Carolina, to serve those who had little to no access to medical care.
She also founded a nursing school to train Black women in healthcare, ensuring that the next generation could continue her mission. Her work during the early 1900s helped shape modern healthcare systems, paving the way for better medical services for African Americans in the South.
Dr. Walter B. Curry Jr. and His Mission to Preserve Black History
Dr. Walter B. Curry Jr. is a historian and award-winning author dedicated to preserving Black history. His research on Dr. Evans brings long-overdue recognition to her achievements and ensures that her legacy is not forgotten.
Curry’s book, written with co-authors Beverly Aiken Muhammad and Anusha Ghosh, details Dr. Evans’ journey from her early years in Aiken County to her medical breakthroughs and civic leadership. The book’s initial release through Arcadia Publishing sold out, but additional copies will soon be available for purchase.
Black History Month and the Importance of Remembering Pioneers
Black History Month serves as a time to reflect on the contributions of trailblazers like Dr. Matilda Evans. Her dedication to healthcare and community advocacy continues to inspire future generations.
By sharing her story, Dr. Curry and his co-authors are ensuring that her impact is recognized. Events like the one at Camp Creek AME Zion Church provide a platform to celebrate and learn about the remarkable individuals who shaped history.
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