New Holiday Coming to Colorado to Commemorate Doctor
Colorado will be getting a new state holiday this year commemorating Dr. Jusinta Ford, an African-American female doctor that was born nearly 150 years ago.
Ford practiced medicine in Colorado where she delivered seven thousand babies for roughly half a century. Because of her ethnicity, Ford practiced out of her home and those of her patients while living in Denver.
Dr. Justina Ford Day will be celebrated each January 22nd, 2021, which marks what would have been her 150th birthday. She is being celebrated as Denver s first licensed, African-American female doctor.
Governor Jared Polis is spearheading the inaugural state holiday, and a statement was made by publicist Sylvia Lambe that reads as such:
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Historic Denver saved Dr. Justina Ford’s home, which she used to practice from when hospitals wouldn’t admit the pioneering Black female doctor. Today, it’s the nonprofit Black American West Museum & Heritage Center. (Provided by Historic Denver)
Seven thousand babies delivered. A half-century of service. And a birth date just shy of 150 years.
On Jan. 22, following a proclamation by Gov. Jared Polis, Colorado will celebrate its first Dr. Justina Ford Day. The date marks the 150th birthday of Ford, Denver’s first licensed, Black female physician.
Despite being denied offices at area hospitals based on her race, Ford practiced out of her home and at the homes of her patients for much of her time in Denver.