A Tribute to Dr. James Franklin Sistrunk
Andrea Akins
Digital Marketing/Demand Gen Expert & Leader | Results driven and passionate about building business strategies to attract, engage, and delight prospects and customers.
During my last Spring break in college, while most were enjoying the sun, partying, and drinking, I spent my time in South Florida filming a documentary for one of my final projects. This topic was not chosen randomly; it held a special place in my heart. Twenty years ago, I delved into the history of my family, particularly Dr. James Franklin Sistrunk, the first black physician in Broward County, serving as the sole physician for 16 years.
His story was not widely known, and as a young aspiring journalist and documentarian (now a marketing geeker), I embarked on a mission to illuminate his legacy. I vividly recall loading my small Chevy Cavalier coupe with rented camera equipment and convincing my two closest high school friends to join me on this journey to South Florida. Back then, I was fearless, navigating through risky neighborhoods in search of anyone who knew Dr. James Sistrunk. The remainder of my Spring break was spent sifting through old newspaper clippings and editing.
Recently, I had the privilege of sharing my documentary with my almost 5-year-old daughter, ensuring she understands the significance of the Sistrunk lineage and the impact of the name on history.
A boulevard and bridge in Broward County bear his name, honoring the remarkable Dr. James Sistrunk, who not only saved lives but also brought new lives into the world. I express my gratitude to him. My documentary stands as a tribute to his enduring legacy, and my goal is to bring his remarkable story to wider platforms, reaching a broader audience so that everyone can learn about his amazing life and journey.
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11 个月Andrea Akins I thoroughally enjoyed your documentary about Dr. Sistrunk! His legacy is impressive and heartwarming. Your tribute to him is beautifully done. I hope your journey to learn you connection to him will lead you to a fuller personal understanding of your heritage.
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1 年Andrea! I’m so glad to learn about Black History in Broward Country. It’s an honor for your ancestor, Good Ole Doc Sistrunk to leave the beautiful legacy that he did!