Dorothy Lavinia Brown

Dorothy Lavinia Brown

Dorothy Lavinia Brown (January 7, 1919 – June 13, 2004) was an influential African American surgeon, legislator, and teacher. She was the first African American female surgeon in the South, and also the first African American woman to serve in the Tennessee General Assembly. Her life and career broke barriers for women and African Americans in medicine, politics, and education.

Early Life and Education

Dorothy Lavinia Brown was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Orphaned at a young age, she spent much of her childhood in the Troy Orphan Asylum in Troy, New York. Despite the challenges of her early life, Brown was determined to pursue a career in medicine. She graduated as valedictorian from Troy High School and went on to attend Bennett College in Greensboro, North Carolina, where she earned her bachelor's degree. She then attended Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee, where she became the first African American woman to graduate from the institution with a medical degree.

Medical Career

After completing her surgical residency at Harlem Hospital in New York, Brown returned to Nashville, where she made history by becoming the first African American woman to be a practicing surgeon in the South. She worked at the Riverside Hospital and later at the George W. Hubbard Hospital at Meharry Medical College, where she also served as a professor of surgery. Brown was known for her pioneering work in the field of surgery and for her dedication to her patients, often providing medical care to those who could not afford to pay.

Political Career

In addition to her medical career, Brown was also active in politics. In 1966, she was elected to the Tennessee General Assembly, becoming the first African American woman to serve in the state legislature. During her tenure, she focused on issues related to health care, education, and women's rights. She was a strong advocate for the poor and worked to improve the health and welfare of her constituents.

Legacy

Dorothy Lavinia Brown's contributions to medicine, politics, and education have left a lasting impact. She broke racial and gender barriers, opening doors for future generations of African American women in various fields. Her dedication to serving her community and her pioneering spirit have made her a role model for many.

Brown's life and work have been recognized with numerous awards and honors. She was inducted into the Tennessee Women's Hall of Fame and has been the subject of several documentaries and books. Her legacy continues to inspire those who seek to make a difference in the world through medicine, public service, and advocacy for social justice.

See Also

• African American firsts
• Women in medicine
• Tennessee General Assembly