A celebration and panel discussion dedicated to Dr. Matilda Evans, the first African American female physician in South Carolina. The event is scheduled for Sunday, June 22nd, 3:00 pm at Orangeburg County Historical Society, 1421 Middleton Street in Orangeburg, SC.
Dr. Walter B. Curry, the founder of Renaissance Publications, LLC, along with Beverly Aiken-Muhammad, the eldest granddaughter of Dr. Matilda Evans, and Anush Ghosh, a medical student at the University of South Carolina Columbia, will unveil the compelling narrative of Dr. Matilda Evans and her remarkable career in their forthcoming book, “South Carolina’s Matilda Evans: A Medical Pioneer.” This work, published by The History Press-Arcadia Publishing, stands as the definitive biography of Evans, meticulously chronicling her family heritage, early life, educational pursuits, medical practice, community engagement, and entrepreneurial initiatives. The foreword, authored by Dr. Bobby Donaldson, enriches
the text by providing essential historical context and research references that illuminate significant events and reflections on Evans’s extraordinary journey.
Evans was born four years after slavery was abolished and grew up on a family farm in western Orangeburg District, which is today 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, entrepreneurial pursuits, 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.
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 patients.
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 upcoming event and panel discussion featuring the authors will be led by Ms. Tammy McCottry, who serves as the CEO of Tammy Media Group. Additionally, there will be an exhibition showcasing significant artifacts from Dr. Evans’ life, including her original sign, medical license, and various medical tools.
Copies of the book titled “South Carolina Matilda Evans: A Medical Pioneer” will be offered for purchase, alongside special commemorative editions of Dr. Evans’ original medical license.
To reserve complimentary tickets for the event, please visit the society’s website at orangeburgcountyhistory.org/ dr-matilda-evans/. For additional inquiries, you may reach Dr. Curry at (803) 404-2117 or via email at renaissancepublicationsllc@gmail.com.
