Born: 1927 (Faulkner County, Arkansas)
Died: 2019
Biography:
Edith Irby Jones (December 23, 1927 July 15, 2019) was an American physician and trailblazer who made significant contributions to the field of medicine and civil rights. She was the first African American to be accepted as a non-segregated student at the University of Arkansas Medical School, breaking down racial barriers and paving the way for future generations.
Born on December 23, 1927, near Conway in Faulkner County, Arkansas, Edith Mae Irby faced numerous challenges from an early age. At the age of eight, she tragically lost her father, and a few years later, her older sister succumbed to typhoid fever at just 12 years old. Furthermore, Irby herself battled rheumatic fever as a child. These experiences deeply influenced her and fueled her desire to help those who were underserved and impoverished, ultimately shaping her path towards a career in medicine.
After her mother relocated the family to Hot Springs, Arkansas, Irby attended Langston Secondary School, which was named after leader John Mercer Langston. In 1944, she graduated from Langston and was awarded a scholarship to attend Knoxville College in Tennessee. At Knoxville College, she studied chemistry, biology, and physics. It was during this time that Irby came to believe that she had a crucial role and obligation to serve the black community.
Irby’s journey towards becoming a physician was not without obstacles. Despite facing racial discrimination and financial difficulties, she remained determined to pursue her dream. With the help of a teacher who assisted her in securing the scholarship, the local African-American community collecting spare change, and the support of the black press, Irby successfully raised funds for her tuition and living expenses.
In 1948, Irby graduated from Knoxville College with a Bachelor of Science degree. She then proceeded to complete a graduate course at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, to further prepare herself for medical school. During this time, she also made secret trips with teams from the NAACP to recruit members for the organization, highlighting her dedication to civil rights activism.
It was in the same year, 1948, that Irby made history by being admitted to the University of Arkansas Medical School as part of a racially mixed class. Her acceptance garnered national attention, making headlines from coast to coast and further challenging the prevailing segregationist norms of the time. She became the first African American to be accepted into any school in the Southern United States, shattering barriers and inspiring future generations of underrepresented students.
In addition to being a pioneer for racial integration in medical education, Edith Irby Jones achieved several other significant accomplishments. She became the first African American to graduate from a southern medical school, earning her medical degree from the University of Arkansas Medical School in 1952. She went on to become the first black intern in the state of Arkansas and later became the first black intern at Baylor College of Medicine.
Irby’s contributions extended beyond her own achievements. She was a founding member of the Association of Black Cardiologists, an organization dedicated to improving the cardiovascular health of the African American community. Additionally, she served as the first woman president of the National Medical Association, demonstrating her commitment to advancing healthcare equity and representation for marginalized communities.
Throughout her career, Edith Irby Jones was a fearless advocate for civil rights and equality, and her impact on society was profound. Her determination, resilience, and trailblazing spirit opened doors for countless aspiring black medical professionals and paved the way for greater diversity and inclusion in the healthcare field.
Edith Irby Jones was honored with numerous awards and recognitions throughout her life. She was inducted into both the University of Arkansas College of Medicine Hall of Fame and the inaugural group of women inducted into the Arkansas Women’s Hall of Fame. Her contributions to medicine and civil rights continue to inspire countless individuals, and her legacy will forever be remembered.