A few months back, my dear cousin, Dr. Monica Benjamin Hayes, introduced me to her colleague, Nathaniel Wesley Jr., as she knew his research on black hospitals in Amercia would intrigue me. He agreed to this interview.
A.B. What made you decide to go ahead and write this very important book?
The accumulation of more than 30 years of historic files, records, articles and scholarly documents on Black hospitals of the 20th century.
My first employment in the health field was in a Black hospital.
The only time I was fired as a health professional was by a Black hospital
I had presented hundreds of lectures and presentation on Black hospital History
Given the increased interest in Black history and encourage of my professional colleagues and personal friends, I decided that I should share my knowledge with others.
A.B. How has it been received (reactions)?
The book has been well received as a subject and topic of interest, information and intrigue.
However, it has not produced the sales as desired. Most individuals are not willing to pay the price of the book as a historic document. Given that it is a referenced document that is of value to researchers, students, and educators, my target market has become libraries, research centers, historical organizations and museums.
A.B. What were some astounding revelations you found through your research?
This list of responses could go on for pages. However, let me list a few at this time:
A significant number of Black hospitals were founded to provide opportunities for clinical training for Black nursing students. Segregated White hospitals did not allow Black nursing students to receive clinical training at those hospitals.
In some locations, Black physicians were not given admitting privileges to Black hospitals. Only White physicians could admit consistent with the policies of the local medical society. Black physicians could then provide medical care to those patients.
Black hospitals were true “community” hospitals. Individuals and institutions throughout a community would support the hospital socially, politically, economically and financially.
In many communities, White physicians played a key role in securing critical medical resources from White hospitals for the care of Black patients. These physicians were also creative enough to provide surgical and medical services when such services were “off limits” at the White hospital.
A.B. Is anyone to blame for the lack of Black hospitals and ultimately, do we need them? My point is, historically there have been Black hospitals but in today’s world, is that a realistic expectation?
The “ racial desegregation” of America resulted in the transition of my institutions in the Black community. Who do we “blame” for the loss of drive-in movies? A difficult question to answer. No single person or circumstance is to be blamed. Do we need Black hospitals? Probably not.�
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