Today, we often take for granted the easily available medical care in our country. But, history has not always been so healthy. Many people especially, African Americans, were denied health services in established hospitals. But, brilliant social activist, and author Mary E. Britton saw this inequality and dedicated her life to making good health more equitable.

Mary Britton was born in Lexington, KY in 1855, the same town where she eventually practiced medicine. Britton first attended Berea College and then graduated from the American Missionary College in Chicago, IL. She returned to Lexington and practiced medicine from 1904 through 1923 at her home at 545 North Limestone Street. In her medical practice she specialized in treatments known as hydrotherapy and electrotherapy. Hydrotherapy is the use of water in the treatment of disease, and electrotherapy uses electricity in disease treatments. Her services provided much needed medical care to the African American community.

Aside from being a doctor, Britton was an outspoken and eloquent social activist. She wrote hundreds of newspaper articles arguing against racial segregation laws. Britton organized and attended rallies in support of desegregation. One such rally was the 1906 demonstration in Frankfort against separate railroad coaches for people of color. Her spare time was spent being an activist in the post-Reconstruction movement to improve the lives of those with African ancestry.

Before becoming a doctor, Mary Britton taught school at several local segregated public schools. A newspaper article dated August 15, 1897 from the Lexington Leader told of her departure from her teaching position and her new ambitious career choice of becoming a physician. Britton also served as secretary to the board for the Colored Orphans Home, a large institution which housed orphans and the elderly.

After almost twenty years of medical practice, she retired in 1923. Britton died in 1925 and is buried in Lexington's Cove Haven Cemetery.

 Source:

Lucas, Marion Brunson. A History of Blacks in Kentucky. Frankfort: Louisville Times 1992.

Wright, John Dear. Lexington Heart of the Bluegrass. Lexington: Fayette County Historical Commission, 1982.