Charles DeWitt Watts

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Charles DeWitt Watts
Born	August 20, 1917 Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
Died	July 12, 2004 Durham, North Carolina, U.S.
Nationality	American
Occupation	Surgeon, civil rights activist
Known for	First African-American surgeon certified by a surgical specialty board in North Carolina

Charles DeWitt Watts (August 20, 1917 – July 12, 2004) was an American surgeon and civil rights activist. He was the first African-American surgeon in North Carolina to be certified by a surgical specialty board. Watts played a significant role in improving healthcare for African-Americans in Durham, North Carolina, and was instrumental in the establishment of the Lincoln Community Health Center.

Early Life and Education

Charles DeWitt Watts was born on August 20, 1917, in Atlanta, Georgia. He attended Morehouse College, where he earned his undergraduate degree. He then went on to receive his medical degree from Howard University College of Medicine.

Career

After completing his medical education, Watts moved to Durham, North Carolina, where he began his surgical practice. He became the first African-American surgeon in North Carolina to be certified by a surgical specialty board. Watts was a pioneer in advocating for equal healthcare access and worked tirelessly to improve medical facilities and services for African-Americans in Durham.

Civil Rights Activism

Watts was deeply involved in the civil rights movement. He worked alongside other activists to desegregate hospitals and medical facilities in North Carolina. His efforts were crucial in the establishment of the Lincoln Community Health Center, which provided much-needed medical services to the African-American community in Durham.

Legacy

Charles DeWitt Watts left a lasting impact on the medical community and the civil rights movement. His dedication to improving healthcare for African-Americans and his role in desegregating medical facilities have been widely recognized. Watts' work paved the way for future generations of African-American medical professionals.

Personal Life

Watts was married and had children. He passed away on July 12, 2004, in Durham, North Carolina.

See Also

• Civil rights movement
• Healthcare in the United States
• African-American history