Dedication of Doctor's Memorial Park In SW Atlanta (AP Medical Legends Honored)
This invite arrived at my home which noted the dedication of a nearby park named in honor of African-American Atlanta-area physicians. It didn't escape me that there were some very familiar faces from the city's history included in this memorial dedication. In fact, 4 of the 10 honoree's were initiated into Alpha Rho at Morehouse College. I'm proud to share that these men who were leaders in the community where I grew up are now recognized. The AP honorees are:
AP Brother Dr. Asa Yancey -- Spring 1935 AP Brother Dr. Albert Davis -- Fall 1936 (Father of new March of Dimes CEO Stacey Davis Stewart) AP Brother Dr. Otis Smith -- Spring 1946 AP Brother Dr. Warner Meadows, Jr. -- Fall 1949
From www.ajc.com:
Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, Commissioner Amy Phuong, Department of Parks and Recreation staff, Atlanta City Councilmember C.T. Martin, community leaders and family members of doctors who practiced at Southwest Hospital joined together on Nov. 22 to celebrate the opening of the new Doctors Memorial Park in Southwest Atlanta. The park, at 500 Fairburn Road SW, is named in honor of the historic Southwest Hospital, formerly named Holy Family Hospital and the doctors who played a vital role in providing healthcare and supporting the wellbeing of the community.Holy Family Hospital was erected in 1962, several years after the Medical Mission Sisters of the Catholic Church had a vision in 1948 to build a facility for African Americans due to a shortage of hospital beds for lacks in Atlanta.
In 1972 the hospital administrator shot and wounded two community activists, Arthur Langford and Willie Ricks, who were engaged in a hunger strike in support of striking hospital employees. Several community activists including the Rev. Joe Boone had gathered in a tent in front of the property to discuss strategy when Langford and Ricks were shot. This racially charged incident was a major pivotal point in integrating the health care system in Atlanta and the South at the time.
The Catholic Medical Mission began operating a free clinic for black patients in the Third Ward in 1943. Black doctors gave care there. Hughes Spalding was the only fully equipped hospital for blacks when Holy Family Hospital was built in the 60s. Sister Theophane used Mission funds monies raised largely from white donors for construction of the hospital across the street.
