Honoring Dr. Eugene S. Browning
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Eugene Shelley Browning was born on October 9, 1885, in Orangeburg, South Carolina, to Kate Edwards and Andrew Browning. He was born just 20 years after the end of the Civil War. He grew up in Jim Crow America, a time when Black people were treated as second-class citizens. He attended college at Lincoln University, which was established in 1854 as the Ashmun Institute, in Pennsylvania. There, he received both a bachelor's and a master's degree. He then made his way to Michigan to attend Detroit Medical College and subsequently settled in Grand Rapids. He met and eventually married Gertrude Alberta Corbin, and together they raised a family of four children. His life and career as a doctor and an activist transcended him to be a well-deserving GIANT, just like the award given in his honor every year.
After graduating from Medical School in 1905, Dr. Eugene Browning moved to Grand Rapids to begin practicing medicine. Dr. Browning's journey towards becoming a medical trailblazer begin even before he graduated from medical school because he was the only African American among 54 students in his class. However, achieving that degree did not stop him. Dr. Browning pursued further education, he did post graduate studies in Chicago and New York for a while. He even crossed the Atlantic to study at the University of Vienna in Austria. These experiences honed his expertise in urology and dermatology, making him a distinguished medical professional with a wealth of knowledge and skills.
Dr. Browning continued to break racial barriers by settling in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1906 and challenging the status quo by establishing his medical practice here. He also achieved the remarkable accomplishment of obtaining admitting privileges in local hospitals. This shattered the racial glass ceiling and opened the doors for African Americans to have better access to healthcare institutions. This was not only a triumph for him but also a victory for equality and equitable healthcare access for all. It laid the foundation for future progress. It is because of Dr. Browning and others like him that we have more African American healthcare professionals today, and we have been able to make progress toward a more inclusive and equitable future in healthcare.
Beyond the above accomplishments, Dr. Browning's commitment to the community was unwavering. In 1923, Dr. Browning opened the Master's Clinic for Infants within the First Community AME Church, introducing the concept of well-baby clinics to Grand Rapids. The clinic provided a vital service to families, offering free checkups for children regardless of their ability to pay. Dr. Browning's foresight recognized that accessible healthcare for children was essential not only for their well-being but also for the future strength and vitality of the community. Today, well-baby initiatives like WIC (Women, Infants & Children) programs are common and play a crucial role in early childhood development and preventative healthcare.
Dr. Browning's dedication extended to education and advocacy. He was a sought-after speaker on health issues at public events, using his knowledge and experience to educate and empower the community. His lectures at the Grand Rapids Medical College not only enriched future medical professionals but also highlighted the importance of diversity in healthcare.
Notably, Dr. Browning was the first African American to serve on the Michigan State Board of Health, a historic milestone that opened doors for increased representation and equitable healthcare policies. His presence on the board helped bridge the gap in healthcare disparities, advocating for the well-being of African Americans across the state. He also ran for public office several times, which further demonstrated his commitment to public service.
There is so much more I could say, but I will end it here. So, in conclusion, Dr. Eugene Shelley Browning's life and work stand as a testament to the enduring power of dedication, resilience, and service to the community. His contributions continue to inspire and benefit us today, serving as a roadmap, a beacon of hope, and a reminder of the positive impact that one individual can have in our community.
Sophia Brewer (M.L.I.S.) is Collection Development and Serials Librarian, Grand Rapids Community College; Co-President of the Greater Grand Rapids History Council; member of the Grand Rapids Study Club and serves on the Grand Rapids Public Library, Board of Library Commissioners (Elected 2016-2021). She is a former Head of Programs, Grand Rapids Public Library and former Branch Manager, Madison Square Branch, Grand Rapids Public Library Congresswoman
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