Covington Women’s Health Specialists Named Best of Newton 2026

Covington Women’s Health Specialists has been voted Best OB-GYN in Newton County in the 2026 Best of Newton Awards.

Each year, Newton County residents nominate and vote for the local businesses they trust most. To once again be chosen by our community is an honor we do not take lightly. Your continued confidence in our physicians and care team means everything to us.

Drs. Farrow, Larrimore, and Samuels, together with our talented providers and OBGYN hospitalists, are dedicated to delivering compassionate, high-quality care. We are honored to care for women in our community through every season of life.

We are deeply grateful for the trust you place in us and for every vote cast on our behalf. It is a privilege to care for the women and families of Newton County, and we look forward to continuing to serve this community with excellence.

Thank you for making us your Best of Newton 2026 winner!

A Lasting Impact: Pioneers, Advocates, and Innovators of Black History Month

Week Four: Shaping the Next Generation

As we enter the final week of our Black History Month series, we reflect on the enduring impact of Black pioneers, advocates, and innovators whose contributions continue to shape medicine, public health, veterinary science, and research today.

Through our partnership with the Fort Valley State University MANRRS Chapter, we are honored to share this final collection of student-written tributes. These stories highlight scientific excellence, ethical leadership, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to expanding access and equity in healthcare.

Day 22: Evelyn Nicol

Born in Little Rock, Kentucky, on June 2, 1930, Evelyn Carmon Nicol was an African American immunologist and microbiologist who made groundbreaking contributions to the medical field. In her early years, Evelyn was expected to lead a traditional life and study home economics. However, she instead chose to pursue studies in chemistry and mathematics at Tuskegee University, soon graduating at the top of her class. It was after her collegiate journey that she began her career at the Carver Research Foundation, where she significantly contributed to culturing HeLa cells that helped develop the early polio vaccine. In 1985, she led the retrovirology division, which produced testing kits for blood-borne diseases such as HIV and human T-cell lymphotropic virus. Her work in virology and immunology gained recognition, leading to further research opportunities at major medical centers. She joined Abbott Laboratories in 1962 and advanced to become a molecular biologist and authored several scientific publications.

On January 6, 1976, Nicol was awarded a patent in molecular biology for developing an alternative method to produce urokinase, an enzyme that had previously been produced only from kidney tissue. She later developed a screening test to determine whether pregnant women were exposed to infection or parasites. Evelyn Nicol left a significant scientific legacy for future Black women.

Written by Katelin C. Coleman 

Major: Animal Science scholar, Fort Valley State University 

Future Endeavor: Mixed Animal Gastroenterologist and Nutritionist

Day 23: Dr. Cherice Roth

Dr. Cherice Roth is known as a Black veterinarian whose career reflects leadership, innovation, and a commitment to equity within the medical field of veterinary science. She earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine after completing a master’s degree in biochemistry at the University of North Texas Health Science Center. To further strengthen her medical skills, Roth trained in exotic animal medicine and surgery in Australia. After returning to the United States, she worked in companion animal hospitals, where she mentored veterinary assistants and fellow doctors. These experiences helped establish her as both a skilled clinician and an influential leader in veterinary medicine. 

Dr. Roth later expanded her impact through clinical, industry, and administrative roles, eventually becoming a chief veterinary officer. She helped develop RACE-approved Virtual Care University and the MyPetDoc platform, which improved access to veterinary care through virtual and remote veterinary services. Roth believes this model of care can reduce health disparities in pets and help address mental health challenges faced by veterinary professionals. In addition to her leadership work, she serves on advisory boards for the Multicultural Veterinary Medical Association and Veterinary Professionals Instilling Black Excellence. Her contributions have modernized veterinary medicine while promoting diversity, accessibility, and health equity within the field.

Written by Keira Hankerson

Major: Animal Science, Fort Valley State University

Future Endeavor: Veterinary Medicine, Financial Literacy Educator

Day 24: Dr. Beverley Ann Townsend

Dr. Beverley Ann Townsend is a native of Winona, Mississippi. She graduated college from Jackson State University in Jackson, MS with a B.S. in Chemistry. She then received a Master’s in Pharmacology and Toxicology from Purdue University and her Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from the University of Mississippi. Dr. Townsend completed a residency in Family Medicine at the Medical Center in Columbus, GA. Lastly, she received her MBA from Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw, GA.

Dr. Townsend has worked in the Chattahoochee Valley in various practice settings including rural medicine, multispecialty practice, and solo private practice for nearly 25 years. Currently, Dr. Townsend is the Columbus, GA Commissioner of Public Health and the he District Health Director for the West Central Health District (District 7); additionally, she is the Interim Health Director for the District 4 Health District, District 4 in LaGrange, GA.

She has received numerous awards including two Presidential Rosa Parks Women of Courage awards, the Black History Maker award, the American Public Health Award, the Physician’s Award for Community Service from the Medical Association of Georgia, the Nikki T. Randall Servant Leader award from the Georgia House of Representatives, and is recognized in the 50 Most Influential African Americans in Columbus, GA.

Dr. Townsend is dedicated to serving populations in rural, underserved and underprivileged areas.

Written by Ja’Von Martin

Major: Supply Chain and Logistics Management

Future Endeavor: Entrepreneurship within the pharmaceutical industry, Enlist in US military

Day 25: Dr. Jane Hinton

Dr. Jane Hinton was a pioneering Black woman in medicine whose work made a lasting impact on both human and animal health. She was a veterinarian and medical researcher who helped develop Mueller–Hinton agar, a laboratory growth medium still widely used today. This agar plays a critical role in testing antibiotic effectiveness in both medical and veterinary settings. Dr. Hinton’s work strengthened the connection between scientific research and real-world medical treatment. Her contributions continue to support advancements in microbiology and animal health.

Dr. Hinton earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1949, a time when very few Black women had access to veterinary or medical education. This achievement is especially striking because it was not that long ago in history. Today, Black veterinarians remain significantly underrepresented, making up only about 1.2 to 2.2 percent of individuals holding a DVM degree. This highlights how barriers to access in veterinary medicine still exist. Dr. Hinton’s legacy continues to inspire students pursuing animal science and veterinary careers to help close that gap.

Written by Marqecia Ellerbee

Major: Animal Science major, Fort Valley State University 

Future Endeavor: Veterinarian (large animal)

Day 26: Dr. Lillian Beard 

Dr. Lillian Beard is a pediatrician who uses modern media to make “house calls,” reaching an audience of patients at home. These house calls are her use of mass communication (television, internet, print media) to provide health education to a broad audience in their homes, rather than physically visiting patients’ residences.

Her contributions to the medical field were as a national spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics, representing the academy’s 48,000 members on issues relating to the health and welfare of children and adolescents. She also has practiced pediatrics for over 50 years, primarily in the Washington, D.C., and Silver Spring, Maryland, areas, including serving as the Physician Director at Children’s Pediatricians and Associates. She has held leadership roles within the National Medical Association (NMA)—where she is a Hall of Fame member—and the American Medical Women’s Association (AMWA). Dr. Beard is also one of fifteen women to graduate from the Howard University College of Medicine in class of 100 (Class of 1970), and she is considered a pioneer for women of color in the field. Dr. Beard published Salt in Your Sock and Other Tried-and-True Home Remedies, which combines traditional holistic treatments with medically sound evidence. She has appeared as a health expert on major programs including Good Morning America, CNN’s Health Accent, and ABC’s Home Show. Dr. Beard has also received eight AMA Physician Recognition Awards between 1973 and 2000. Dr. Beard was also awarded the “Global Initiative for Telemedicine Award of Merit” in 1998 for her contributions to digital health communication.

Written by Christopher A. Parker

Major: Agricultural Economics, Fort Valley State University

Future Endeavor: Agricultural Specialist with John Deere

Day 27: Dr. Raven Jackson-Jewett  

Dr. Raven Jackson-Jewett is a prominent veterinarian who serves as the attending veterinarian and Director of Veterinary Care at Chimp Haven, the world’s largest chimpanzee sanctuary located in Keithville, Louisiana. Since 2010, she has overseen the medical care of more than 300 chimpanzees, many of whom are considered “retirees” after transitioning from biomedical research, the pet trade, or the entertainment industry. Her compassionate and nurturing approach to animal care reflects her deep commitment to animal welfare and ethical science. Dr. Jackson-Jewett is especially known for her pioneering work using antiretroviral therapy to treat chimpanzees previously infected with HIV/AIDS during research, allowing them to live healthy, long-term lives at the sanctuary.

Dr. Jackson-Jewett’s work and dedication were highlighted in the six-part National Geographic documentary series Meet the Chimps, which premiered on Disney+ in 2020. As a Black woman in a field where nearly 90% of veterinarians are white, she actively uses her platform to inspire underrepresented youth and advocate for diversity in STEM careers. She earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2009 and later contributed a chapter to Chimpanzee Memoirs (2022), sharing personal stories and professional insights from her career. Overall, her work continues to advance animal welfare, representation in science, and compassionate care in veterinary medicine.

Written by Ci’Amber Crockett

Major: Animal Science, Fort Valley State University

Future Endeavor: Research Scientist specializing in Animal Rehabilitation

Day 28: Betsey, Lucy, and Anarcha Days of Recognition

As Black History Month comes to a close and Women’s History Month begins, we pause to acknowledge Betsey, Lucy, and Anarcha, three enslaved Black women whose suffering and exploitation were used in the name of medical advancement.

On February 28 and March 1, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) formally recognizes their lives and the lasting impact their experiences had on the field of obstetrics and gynecology. The care millions receive today is connected to their story — one that calls us to practice medicine with humility, ethics, and equity.

We honor their memory by committing to compassionate, respectful care for every patient, always.

We are deeply grateful to the students of Fort Valley State University for honoring these legacies through thoughtful research and powerful storytelling. Their voices represent the next generation of leaders who will continue advancing equity, compassion, and excellence in their respective fields.

Black history is not confined to a single month. It is a living legacy carried forward through action, advocacy, and commitment. May these stories inspire us all to contribute meaningfully to the future of healthcare.

Honoring the Legacy of Pioneers, Advocates, and Innovators for Black History Month

Week Three: Driving Innovation and Impact

As we enter Week Three of our Black History Month series, we continue highlighting the extraordinary impact of Black pioneers, advocates, and innovators whose work has shaped healthcare across generations.

Through our partnership with the Fort Valley State University MANRRS Chapter, we are proud to feature another powerful collection of student-written tributes. This week’s stories reflect resilience, scientific advancement, leadership, and the ongoing pursuit of equity in medicine, public health, and veterinary science.

Day 15: Dr. Dorothy Lavinia Brown

Dr. Dorothy Lavinia Brown was born in Philadelphia in 1914 and grew up in foster care after losing her parents at a young age. Even though she constantly experienced racism, she worked hard to get a good education and became a doctor. In 1948, she earned a medical degree from Meharry Medical College and became a surgeon who specialized in gynecology. She later was hired as the chief surgeon at Riverside Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee, where she trained and supported many young doctors.

Dr. Brown wasn’t just known for her medical career; she was also involved in public service and civil rights work. She was the first Black woman surgeon in the South to be board certified and the first Black woman to serve in the Tennessee State Senate. While she was in the Senate, she was an advocate for better healthcare, education, and equal rights. She also played a big role in desegregating hospitals in Tennessee and helped ensure that Black patients received proper medical care. Throughout her life, Dorothy Lavinia Brown stayed committed to helping others overcome the trials and tribulations she once had to face. Her work left a lasting impact on medicine, politics, and health equity for underserved communities.

Written by Ramiyah Siggal

Major: Veterinary Technology, Fort Valley State University

Future Endeavor: Rehabilitation Veterinary Medicine

Day 16: Dr. Marilyn Hughes Gaston 

Dr. Marilyn Hughes Gaston is a distinguished American pediatrician and public health leader, best known for her groundbreaking research and advocacy concerning sickle cell disease. Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, she pursued her medical education at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, graduating in 1964. Early in her career, she recognized the severe impact of sickle cell anemia on children, particularly within the African American community, and dedicated herself to improving diagnosis and treatment for the condition.

Her landmark 1986 study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, demonstrated the effectiveness of penicillin prophylaxis in preventing life-threatening infections in infants with sickle cell disease. This pivotal research helped lead to universal newborn screening for sickle cell disease in the United States, dramatically improving outcomes and life expectancy for countless children. Dr. Gaston later became the first African American woman to direct the Bureau of Primary Health Care and served as Assistant Surgeon General. Her tireless work has left an indelible mark on pediatric medicine and public health policy.

Written by Lawrence Reeves, IV. 

Major: Agricultural Economics, Fort Valley State University

Future Endeavor: US Air Force, Foreign Agricultural Service Officer

Day 17: Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett

Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett is a brilliant Black scientist whose work has had a profound impact on modern medicine and public health. As an immunologist, she played a key role in the development of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines, helping lead research that saved millions of lives worldwide. Dr. Corbett’s expertise in viral immunology allowed scientists to respond quickly and effectively to the pandemic. Her contributions demonstrated the importance of preparedness, innovation, and trust in science during global health crises. Through her work, she helped bridge the gap between complex research and real-world medical solutions.

Beyond the laboratory, Dr. Corbett has been a powerful advocate for health equity and community education. She has worked to address vaccine hesitancy, particularly in Black and underserved communities, by promoting transparency and understanding in medical research. Dr. Corbett also serves as a role model for young people interested in science and medicine, showing that representation truly matters. Her leadership highlights how medicine is not only about treatment, but also about communication, trust, and service. Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett’s legacy continues to shape the future of medicine by combining scientific excellence with social responsibility.

Written by Shannon Hosey

Major: Agriculture Economics, Fort Valley State University

Future Endeavor: Agriculture Chemicals Sales Professional

Day 18: Rosalie A. Reed 

Rosalie A. Reed is an American veterinarian recognized for pioneering advancements in exotic animal care. From childhood, Reed exhibited a keen interest in animals, frequently nurturing them in her home environment. Her mother recalled that Reed always had an animal around, reflecting an early, self-directed passion for animal care that preceded formal interests in biology or veterinary science. Rosalie A. Reed went on to earn a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from Tuskegee University in 1972. This degree encompassed core coursework in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and clinical pathology, fostering skills in diagnosing and managing diseases across diverse animal species. Her education at Tuskegee, which included practical components through the university’s teaching hospital, laid the groundwork for expertise in exotic animal care without specialized zoo internships noted in available records prior to her professional entry.

In 1973, she became the first woman employed as a veterinarian at the Los Angeles Zoo, and the first Black veterinarian at a major U.S. zoo. Her career shattered barriers in a male-dominated field, focusing on the medical needs of zoo animals and contributing to veterinary practices for non-domestic species. Reed later founded Reed’s Family Zoo, a private sanctuary emphasizing animal welfare and conservation efforts.

Adriunna Carter

Written by Adriunna Carter

Major: Veterinary Technology, Fort Valley State University

Future Endeavor: Veterinary Medicine, specializing in exotic companion animals

Day 19: Dr. Matilda Arabella Evans 

Dr. Matilda Arabella Evans was a trailblazing physician who played a major role in improving health care during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. She was the first African American woman licensed to practice medicine in South Carolina after earning her medical degree from the Woman’s Medical College of Pennsylvania in 1897. At a time when racism and sexism limited opportunities for Black women, Dr. Evans opened her own medical practice and treated thousands of patients, many of whom could not afford proper medical care. She specialized in treating women and children and worked tirelessly to improve public health in her community.

Dr. Evans was also deeply committed to uplifting the Black community beyond individual patient care. She believed education and prevention were key to better health, so she promoted cleanliness, nutrition, and disease prevention, especially among children. She helped establish health programs, supported African American schools, and worked with organizations like the NAACP to fight for civil rights and better living conditions. Dr. Matilda Evans’ dedication made her essential to both the medical community and the Black community, as she not only saved lives but also helped create lasting improvements in health awareness, equality, and opportunity for future generations.

Decari Milner

Written by Andre Milner

Major: Business Management, Fort Valley State University

Future Endeavor: Entrepreneurship within the health, wellness, and agricultural industries

Day 20: Anarcha Westcott

Anarcha Westcott was an enslaved woman who, alongside two other slaves (Betsy and Lucy), underwent surgical procedures at the hands of J. Marion Sims without anesthesia or any painkillers. Sims and many other doctors of the era believed that Black women did not need anesthesia, as their bodies were meant to be stronger than white women and that they could handle the pain. These procedures helped Sims “shape” the state of modern gynecology. Not only did his experiments on the many women under his care lead to infections and injuries, but his constant violation of their autonomy led to a handful of the procedures failing completely.

Anarcha was the last of the three to be experimented on. By 1849, Anarcha would go through her 30th procedure under Sims. It was successful, and the three women would soon return to their masters after five years of torture and experimentation. Without the use of Black bodies, Sims would not have been able to use his experiments to further his studies. If we are to recognize the importance of Sims’ work and what he has brought to the field of women’s healthcare, it is important that we also recognize the Black women whom he violated in the name of science. Their efforts continue to live on even today.

Jaidenn Carter

Written by Jaidenn Carter

Major: Animal Science, Fort Valley State University

Future Endeavor: Veterinary Medicine

Day 21: Dr. Yvette Francis McBarnette

Dr. Yvette Francis McBarnette was a pediatrician who made a lasting difference in how sickle cell disease is treated in children. At a time when the condition was often misunderstood or ignored, she believed kids with sickle cell deserved consistent and specialized care, not just treatment during emergencies. She focused on improving pain management, preventing infections, and reducing serious complications. Her work helped change how doctors approached sickle cell disease and pushed pediatric care toward being more thoughtful and patient-centered.

She was also a strong advocate for early diagnosis and education for families. Dr. Francis McBarnette stressed the importance of newborn screening, regular checkups, and helping parents understand how to manage the disease day to day. She worked to bring attention to a condition that mainly affects Black communities and fought for better care and recognition within the medical field. Because of her efforts, sickle cell disease is now treated as a major public health issue, and her influence is still seen in pediatric medicine today.

Katelynn Hodges

Written by Katelynn Hodges

Major: Agricultural Economics with a minor in Marketing, Fort Valley State University

Future Endeavor: Agribusiness Consultant and Agronomist

These stories remind us that progress in healthcare has never happened in isolation. It has been shaped by courage, sacrifice, scientific brilliance, and an unwavering commitment to justice.

We are grateful to the students of Fort Valley State University for bringing these legacies to life through their research and reflection. As we continue this Black History Month series, we encourage you to share these stories, celebrate these contributions, and consider how each of us can help carry this legacy forward.

Stories of Impact: Pioneers, Advocates, and Innovators of Black History Month

Week Two: Expanding Access and Opportunity

As we continue our Black History Month series, Stories of Impact: Pioneers, Advocates, and Innovators, Week Two builds on the legacies of healing, innovation, and leadership introduced in our first week. 

Through our collaboration with the Fort Valley State University MANRRS Chapter, we are proud to share another collection of student-written features honoring Black women whose contributions have shaped medicine, science, nutrition, public health, and healthcare access.

DAY 8: Flemmie Pansy Kittrell

Flemmie Pansy Kittrell was born in North Carolina in 1904 to sharecropping parents and began working as a cook and maid at a young age, which sparked her interest in nutrition and child well-being in Black and low-income families. She became the first African American woman to earn a PhD in nutrition, graduating from Cornell University in 1936 during an era of intense racial segregation. This achievement marked her as a major educational trailblazer in nutrition science. From 1944 to 1971, Kittrell served as the head of the Home Economics Department at Howard University. While there, she led a study through an experimental nursery school on campus. This research later became a model for the federal Head Start program, which supports early education, health, and wellness for children from low-income families. 

Kittrell was also a dedicated public health advocate whose research focused on reducing health disparities in underserved communities. She traveled internationally to improve nutrition and public health outcomes. During her work in Liberia, she coined the term “hidden hunger” to describe vitamin deficiencies in individuals who consumed enough food but lacked proper nutrition. Overall, her contributions greatly advanced the understanding of how diet, health, and socioeconomic status are interconnected and continue to influence efforts toward health equity.

Nylah Smith

Written by Nylah Simpson

Major: Animal Science, Fort Valley State University

Future Endeavor: Master’s Degree in Nutrition; secured post-graduation position with USDA

Day 9: Dr. Mae C. Jemison

Dr. Mae C. Jemison is a physician, engineer, and former NASA astronaut who made history as the first African American woman to travel into space in 1992 aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour. She earned her medical degree from Cornell University and later worked as a general practitioner and Peace Corps medical officer, providing healthcare in underserved communities. Her career reflects a deep commitment to using science and medicine to improve lives around the world. Through her achievements, she has inspired countless Black women to pursue careers in medicine, science, and technology.

Beyond her medical work, Dr. Jemison has been a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion in STEM fields. She founded the Jemison Group and the international science camp, The Earth We Share, to encourage young people, especially girls of color in exploring science and medicine. Dr. Jemison continues to speak globally about education, innovation, and social responsibility. Her legacy represents excellence, perseverance, and expanded opportunities for Black women in medicine and beyond.

Amari Parker

Written by Amari Parker

Major: Agriculture Economics, Fort Valley State University

Future Endeavor: Agricultural Engineer

Day 10: Alice Augusta Ball 

Alice Augusta Ball was a brilliant chemist whose work made a lasting impact on medicine, despite her life being tragically short. Born in 1892, she became one of the first Black women to earn a master’s degree in chemistry and was the first Black woman to graduate from the University of Hawaiʻi. While working there, Ball developed an innovative and effective treatment for leprosy (Hansen’s disease) using compounds derived from chaulmoogra oil. Her method transformed the oil into a form that could be safely injected and absorbed by the body, offering real hope to patients at a time when few treatments existed. This breakthrough, later known as the “Ball Method,” significantly improved outcomes for people suffering from the disease.

Despite the importance of her discovery, Alice Ball did not receive proper credit during her lifetime. After her death at just 24 years old, her work was taken and publicly credited to a male colleague, delaying recognition of her contributions for decades. Today, Ball is celebrated as a pioneer for women in medicine and a powerful figure in Black history, representing both scientific excellence and the challenges faced by Black women in academic and medical fields. Her legacy serves as an inspiration, highlighting the importance of equity, recognition, and diversity in medicine and scientific research—values that remain essential during Black History Month and beyond. 

Zarien Vilsaint

Written by: Zarien Vilsaint

Major: Plant Science with minor in Accounting, Fort Valley State University

Future Endeavor: Plant based medicine research scientist/Pharmaceutical medicine

Day 11: Dr. Rebecca J. Cole

Dr. Rebecca J. Cole was a pioneering physician and one of the earliest Black women to break barriers in American medicine. In 1867, she became the second Black woman in the United States to earn a medical degree, graduating from the Woman’s Medical College of Pennsylvania. At a time when both racial and gender discrimination severely limited opportunities in healthcare, Dr. Cole remained committed to serving those most in need. She focused her medical career on providing care to poor and underserved communities, particularly women and children who lacked access to basic medical services.

Dr. Cole was deeply involved in public health efforts and worked with organizations such as the New York Infirmary for Women and Children, which had been founded by Drs. Elizabeth Blackwell and Marie Zakrzewska. Through her work, she emphasized preventive care, hygiene, and education as essential components of health. Her dedication helped improve healthcare access for marginalized populations and laid important groundwork for future generations of Black women in medicine. Dr. Cole’s legacy endures as a symbol of perseverance, service, and commitment to health equity.

Edward Carter III

Written by Edward Carter III 

Major: Agricultural Economics, Fort Valley State University

Future Endeavor: Agricultural Commodity Trader

Day 12:  Dr. Helen Octavia Dickens 

Dr. Helen Octavia Dickens was an innovative American doctor whose contributions revolutionized obstetrics and gynecology, simultaneously improving access to healthcare and education for marginalized populations. Dickens studied to become an obstetrician-gynecologist during a period when African American women encountered significant obstacles in the medical field. She was among the first African American women to achieve board certification in obstetrics and gynecology and subsequently became the first woman to lead the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Meharry Medical College, a historically Black medical institution. Her guidance advanced the training for doctors destined to assist underserved communities throughout the United States

Nakira Morris

Written by Nakira Morris

Major: Plant Science concentrating in horticulture, Fort Valley State University

Future Endeavor: Horticulturist

Day 13: Dr. Georgia Rooks Dwelle 

Dr. Georgia Rooks Dwelle was an important Black woman whose work made a lasting impact on the medical field, particularly in maternal and child health. Born in 1884 in Atlanta, Georgia, she grew up during a time when Black women faced significant barriers in pursuing medical careers. Despite these challenges, she believed strongly in education and earned her medical degree from Meharry Medical College. She specialized in both pediatrics and obstetrics, allowing her to care for children as well as mothers. Her dedication focused on improving healthcare access for underserved Black communities.

In 1913, Dr. Georgia Rooks Dwelle founded the Dwelle Sanitarium in Atlanta to provide medical care for Black women and children who were often denied treatment elsewhere. The sanitarium also offered professional training opportunities for Black nurses. Through her focus on pediatric care and safe childbirth practices, she helped reduce infant mortality rates. Her work showed how medicine could be rooted in both compassion and community service. Dr. Georgia Rooks Dwelle’s legacy continues to inspire future generations of Black women in healthcare.

Phillip Smith

Written by Phillip Smith 

Major: Agricultural Economics, Fort Valley State University

Future Endeavor: Agronomist

Day 14: Dr. Camara Phyllis Jones

Dr. Camara Phyllis Jones is a distinguished physician, epidemiologist, and public health leader whose work has reshaped the medical field’s understanding of health inequities. Born in the United States, she pursued medicine and public health with a strong interest in how social conditions affect health outcomes in Black and marginalized communities. She earned her medical degree and later specialized in epidemiology, where she focused on identifying the root causes of health disparities. Dr. Jones became widely known for developing a clear framework that explains racism at the institutional, interpersonal, and internalized levels. This work positioned her as a trailblazer in addressing racism as a public health issue rather than an individual failing.

Throughout her career, Dr. Jones has served in influential roles, including as a medical officer at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and as president of the American Public Health Association. Her research and advocacy have guided public health policy, medical education, and community-based health initiatives nationwide. She has consistently emphasized that achieving health equity requires changes in systems, policies, and social structures. Dr. Jones also founded the National Collaborative for Health Equity to promote fair and just health outcomes for all populations. Overall, her contributions continue to influence how medicine and public health address inequality, prevention, and justice in healthcare.

Kayla Roberts

Written by Kayla Roberts

Major: Agricultural Economics, Fort Valley State University 

Future endeavor: Agricultural Data Analyst 

We are honored to amplify these stories through the voices of Fort Valley State University students, whose own academic journeys echo the perseverance and purpose of the pioneers they celebrate. As Black History Month continues, we invite you to reflect on these legacies, engage with each story, and recognize that the future of healthcare is being shaped by students inspired by those who came before them.

Stay with us as we continue this series in honor of Black History Month.