Publication Date
2024
Document Type
Dissertation/Thesis
First Advisor
Hoffman, Beatrix Rebecca
Degree Name
Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy)
Legacy Department
Department of History
Abstract
Established in 1891 in Chicago, Illinois, Provident Hospital was born out of the urgent need to combat racial discrimination and segregation. Provident Hospital stood as a beacon of hope for nearly a century, serving as one of the few healthcare facilities open to Chicago’s Black population. Dr. Daniel Hale Williams’s vision of an interracial hospital was a powerful symbol of unity, brought to life through the collaborative efforts of Black physicians, White philanthropists, Black women’s clubs, and community members. However, this vision was continually challenged by interference from White donors, increasing spatial segregation, intensifying poverty following the Great Migration, and the blatant refusal of other Chicago hospitals to accept Black patients.
In its efforts to eliminate the violence of health inequities and disparities, Provident transformed itself into a social justice instrument and served as a bulwark against structural racism in Chicago’s healthcare system. At the same time, its very existence helped ensure that medical discrimination would continue because it was a place where segregated hospitals could always send Black patients. This tension between Provident’s roles characterized the hospital’s first six decades.
Recommended Citation
Adolphson, Lenie Annoh, "Guardians of the Community: A History of Provident Hospital, 1891-1950" (2024). Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations. 8004.
https://huskiecommons.lib.niu.edu/allgraduate-thesesdissertations/8004
Extent
229 pages
Language
en
Publisher
Northern Illinois University
Rights Statement
In Copyright
Rights Statement 2
NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.
Media Type
Text
