Born: 1924 (Bermuda)
Died: 2011
Biography:
Barbara Ball MRCS, LRCP, OBE (13 June 1924 – 13 March 2011) was a Bermudian physician, politician, and social activist. She was a trailblazer, breaking barriers as the first woman physician to practice in Bermuda. Ball’s tireless efforts on behalf of civil rights and the advancement of black Bermudians left an indelible mark on society.
Born on 13 June 1924 in Bermuda, Barbara Ball was the daughter of Jessie Alice (née Clap) and Carlton Ball. Her father, an English carpenter, had come to Bermuda to work at Prospect Garrison. Growing up, Barbara was close with her younger brother Walter, who would later become a well-known newspaper vendor despite being physically disabled.
After completing her secondary education at the all-white Bermuda High School for Girls, Barbara Ball was awarded a government scholarship to attend medical school in Liverpool. In 1942, she began her studies at Liverpool University and also pursued judo training during her time there. It was in Liverpool that Barbara developed a passion for medicine and social justice, graduating with her medical degree seven years later.
Barbara Ball embarked on her medical career in England, spending the next five years working as a physician in hospitals in Liverpool and Westmorland. However, the call of her homeland brought her back to Bermuda in 1954. She joined Bermuda Medical Associates (BMA), an existing medical practice, becoming the first Bermudian-born practicing physician.
Ball’s dedication to equality and fighting racism in Bermuda became apparent early in her career. She treated patients of all races without discrimination, an extraordinary act of defiance in the racially segregated 1950s. Her commitment to providing equal care led to conflict within BMA, resulting in her being asked to withdraw from the practice. Resolute in her principles, Barbara Ball rented a small office space on Cedar Avenue and continued to provide healthcare to patients from all racial backgrounds.
Not content with just her medical practice, Barbara Ball also became actively involved in social activism. She started teaching judo classes in the evenings but faced opposition from the police, who warned her against teaching black Bermudians. Undeterred, Ball established her own integrated judo club, which served as one of the first integrated sports centers in the country.
In 1959, during the Bermuda Theatre Boycott, Barbara Ball publicly supported black Bermudians in their quest for equality. She recognized the financial struggles faced by many of her black patients and strongly believed that lack of income should not determine one’s access to quality healthcare. In the following year, she spoke at a public meeting advocating for the abolition of property requirements as voting qualifications, instead advocating for universal suffrage.
Barbara Ball’s impact extended beyond her medical practice and activism. She served as a member of the Parliament of Bermuda, representing black workers through her work with the Bermuda Industrial Union. In 1963, at a United Nations meeting addressing colonialism, Ball brought attention to the situation of black workers and their fight for fair treatment and labor rights on the island.
Barbara Ball’s contributions to society were recognized and honored throughout her life. In 2000, she was bestowed the title of Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her significant impact on the advancement of civil rights and her unwavering dedication to promoting equality.
Barbara Ball’s extraordinary life and career serve as an inspiration to future generations. Her courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to justice have left an enduring legacy in Bermuda’s history and the advancement of women’s rights. Without a doubt, she remains an influential figure in the fight for equality and social change.
Awards:
– Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2000.