OEDGS May 2025 Meeting

LECTURE TO FOCUS ON NEW BOOK ON SOUTH CAROLINA'S FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN FEMALE PHYSICIAN

     The public is cordially invited to the Old Edgefield District Genealogical Society meeting on Sunday, May 18th, at 3:00 p. m., in the Johnston Genealogical Research Center, 405 Calhoun Street, Johnston, SC. 

     A lecture and discussion will be held centered on a new book that highlights the achievements of South Carolina’s first African American female physician. Authors Dr. Walter B. Curry, Beverly Aiken-Muhammad and Anusha Ghosh will present the narrative of Dr. Matilda Evans and her extraordinary career journey in their book, South Carolina’s Matilda Evans: A Medical Pioneer. Published by The History Press-Arcadia Publishing, the book serves as the official biography of Evans, detailing her family background, formative years, educational journey, medical practice, community involvement and entrepreneurial ventures. The book foreword is written by Dr. Bobby Donaldson and provides historical context and research links related to significant events, experiences and reflections on Evans's remarkable journey.

     Dr. Evans was born four years after slavery was abolished and grew up on a family farm in eastern Aiken County near Salley, South Carolina. She became the first African American woman in South Carolina to earn a medical license and passionately advocated for improved healthcare for African Americans, particularly focusing on children. Her formative experiences, educational achievements, deep religious convictions and pioneering medical practices positioned her as a vital advocate for healthcare accessibility in South Carolina, especially during the challenging times of racial segregation. In addition to her medical work, she actively engaged in civic efforts to uplift her community.

     She gained admission to the Schofield Normal and Industrial School in Aiken and was inspired by institution’s founder Martha Schofield to participate in classes at Oberlin College’s preparatory department from 1887 to 1891. As the only African American in her class, Evans graduated in 1897 from the Women Medical College of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. In May 1898, she obtained her medical license in South Carolina, making her the first African American and first female from the state to be officially authorized to practice medicine.

     In 1901, Evans founded the Taylor Lane Hospital in a historic 18-room mansion situated near the intersection of Taylor and Heidt streets in Columbia. This facility not only provided medical care but also functioned as a training institution for African American nurses and physicians, including those who graduated from Harvard Medical School. Evans financed Taylor Lane through various revenue sources, such as donations, fees from white patients in private practice and profits from a 200-hen poultry farm on the premises, along with an off-site truck farm spanning 3 acres behind the hospital. Additionally, an on-site dairy provided essential milk and butter for patients. By 1910, the hospital had treated over 4,000 African Americans.

   In July 1930, Dr. Matilda Arabella Evans established the Columbia Clinic Association, marking the city's inaugural free clinic dedicated to African American children. Anticipating a modest turnout of 150 to 200 individuals seeking vaccinations, the clinic's team was taken aback when 700 people arrived for care on the very first day. They filled the basement of Zion Baptist Church in Columbia and spilled out onto the street, with many presenting various ailments—some were disabled, others were blind, numerous individuals relied on crutches, and many exhibited signs of malnutrition—highlighting the urgent need for basic medical treatment to restore their health.

     Dr. Evans achievements drew national recognition and gained the backing of renowned African American scientist Dr. George Washington Carver, who was the keynote speaker for a fundraising event for Dr. Evans clinic in 1934 at Columbia Township auditorium. In the same year, the clinic sponsored an event at the auditorium featuring legendary African American jazz singer and vocalist Cab Calloway and his famous Cotton Club Orchestra.

     Dr. Walter B. Curry, Jr. obtained a bachelor’s degree in political science and a doctorate in curriculum and instruction. In 2018, he established Renaissance Publications LLC, a self-publishing venture dedicated to producing works that highlight African American history through the lens of ancestry. Beverly Aiken-Muhammad is the eldest granddaughter of Dr. Matilda A. Evans. She is the founder, executive director and CEO of the Dr. Matilda A. Evans Educational Foundation LLC, a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Anusha Ghosh is currently pursuing her MD at the University of South Carolina–Columbia. 

   This program is supported by South Carolina Humanities, a not-for-profit organization; inspiring, engaging and enriching South Carolinians with programs on literature, history, culture and heritage. SC Humanities receives funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities: Democracy demands wisdom.

     The mission of South Carolina Humanities is to enrich the cultural and intellectual lives of all South Carolinians. This not-for-profit organization presents and/or supports literary initiatives, lectures, exhibits, festivals, publications, oral history projects, videos and other humanities-based experiences that reach more than 250,000 citizens annually. South Carolina Humanities receives funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities as well as corporate, foundation and individual donors.  It is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors comprised of community leaders from throughout the state.

     After the lecture, there will be a book signing for South Carolina Matilda Evans: A Medical Career, which will be available for purchase for $25.00. Refreshments will be served.