Born: 1914 (Jackson, Michigan)
Died: 1978
Biography:
Ethelene Jones Crockett (1914–1978) was an American physician and activist from Detroit. She made significant contributions to the field of medicine and played a pivotal role in advocating for healthcare and social issues. Crockett’s achievements as both a skilled physician and a dedicated activist have left a lasting impact on society.
Ethelene Jones was born in 1914 and grew up in Jackson, Michigan. She attended Jackson High School and then went on to study at Jackson Junior College (now Jackson College), where she graduated in 1934. She then pursued further education at the University of Michigan, where she later met and married George Crockett Jr.
In 1942, at the age of 28, married, and a mother of three, Crockett embarked on her journey to medical school. However, she faced discrimination and barriers because of her race and gender. No hospital in Detroit would accept her for a residency program due to her being African American and a woman. Undeterred, Crockett pursued her dreams and completed her obstetrics/gynecology residency at Sydenham Hospital in New York. During this time, she joined her husband in New York, who was a member of the legal team defending Communist Party leaders accused of teaching the overthrow of the Federal government.
After completing her residency, Crockett returned to Detroit and became Michigan’s first African-American woman to be board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology. She dedicated several decades of her life to practicing medicine in Detroit, providing healthcare and support to countless patients.
Crockett’s commitment to improving healthcare extended beyond her medical practice. In 1960, she participated in a study trip sponsored by the National Medical Association, which involved touring Europe and the Soviet Union alongside sixteen other African-American medical doctors. The purpose of this trip was to assess medical advances in other countries and exchange best practices. It was also seen as a goodwill mission to the Soviet Union.
In addition to her medical career, Crockett was deeply involved in activism centered around health and social issues. She advocated for public daycare centers for working women and was a strong supporter of family planning. Crockett often gave lectures on these subjects, using her voice to educate and inform the community.
One significant milestone in Crockett’s activism was her leadership in the fight to liberalize Michigan’s abortion laws in 1972. She recognized the importance of reproductive rights and worked tirelessly to ensure that women had access to safe and legal abortions.
Crockett’s dedication to public health led to her appointment as the president of the American Lung Association in 1977. She became the first woman to hold this position, which had been established over seven decades prior. As president, Crockett was a vocal advocate for funding to combat tuberculosis and made a lasting impact during her tenure.
Sadly, Ethelene Crockett passed away in 1978, leaving behind a legacy of medical excellence and activism. In recognition of her accomplishments, she was posthumously inducted into the Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame in 1988. Her contributions to the field of medicine, along with her tireless efforts to improve public health, continue to inspire and influence future generations.
Awards:
– Inducted posthumously into the Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame in 1988.