Book focuses on 1st African American female physician in SC

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.

The publication titled “South Carolina Matilda Evans: A Medical Career” is offered for purchase at a price of $24.99. It will be featured in bookstores nationwide and at events organized by various groups, particularly in the Orangeburg County area and its neighboring communities. Orders can be made through www.arcadiapublishing.com, www.renaissancepublc.com, and www.barnesandnoble.com. For general inquiries, requests for autographed copies, or additional information regarding hosting a book event, please reach out to Dr. Curry at (803) 404-2117 or via email at renaissancepublicationsllc@gmail.com.