Celebrating Women's History Month: Ethelene Jones Crockett - A Vanguard in Medicine and Champion for Public Health and Women's Rights

Ethelene Jones Crockett, born in 1914 in St. Joseph, Michigan, stands out as a trailblazing figure in the medical field and a dedicated public health advocate. Graduating from Jackson High School and Jackson Junior College (now Jackson College) in 1934, Crockett's journey in medicine began at Howard University Medical School at the age of 28. She was already married to George Crockett Jr., a prominent activist and future Congressman, and a mother of three at this time.

Crockett's path to becoming Michigan's first Black female board-certified OB/GYN was fraught with challenges, particularly racial and gender discrimination. Unable to secure a residency in Detroit due to these barriers, she completed her obstetrics/gynecology residency at Sydenham Hospital in New York.

Her return to Detroit marked a significant chapter in her career. Crockett not only became one of the city's finest obstetricians and gynecologists but also directed important health initiatives. She led the Detroit Maternal Infant Care Project from 1967 to 1970 and played a key role in designing the Detroit Model Neighborhood Comprehensive Health Center.

Beyond her medical practice, Crockett was a passionate advocate for women's rights and health care access. She fought for the liberalization of Michigan's abortion laws and advocated for public daycare centers and family planning. Her contributions extended to various organizations dealing with health and social issues, including the Michigan Cancer Foundation and United Community Services.

In 1977, Crockett achieved another milestone by becoming the first woman president of the American Lung Association, advocating for critical health issues, including tuberculosis funding, at a national level. Her advocacy work continued until her passing in 1978.

Crockett's legacy includes numerous honors and recognitions, such as being named one of Detroit's Most Successful Women by the Detroit Free Press in 1971, receiving the "Woman of the Year" award from Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, and being named "Physician of the Year" by the Detroit Medical Society in 1978. Posthumously, she was inducted into the Michigan Women's Hall of Fame in 1988 and has had a school named in her honor, reflecting her enduring impact on healthcare, women's rights, and public health advocacy.

A noteworthy personal connection to Crockett's legacy is her role in delivering Tayani Odeleye, a member of The Integral Group's family, highlighting the direct impact she had on the lives she touched. This personal connection further illustrates Crockett's lasting influence not only on public health and women's rights but also on the individual lives she impacted through her medical practice.