Guardians of the Community: The History of Provident Hospital

The Great Migration brought millions of African American migrants from the segregated south to Chicago's Bronzeville neighborhood. This proved to be a significant challenge for the community's sole healthcare facility, Provident Hospital. Scholar and researcher, LeNie Adolphson, will examine the history of Provident Hospital, the Provident Nurse Training School, and the challenges of treating chronic illnesses such as tuberculosis and upper respiratory diseases in this Southside institution, which serves as a testament to the resilience and determination of the Black community. Chicago's political system implemented systemic segregation and discrimination, and the city's white medical institutions were complicit in maintaining medical segregation. This segregation led to health inequities that continue to impact African Americans. This lecture will discuss the herculean efforts of Provident to remain open to provide care to the most vulnerable.About the Speaker:LeNie Adolphson is a PhD Candidate in History at Northern Illinois University. Adolphson earned bachelorÕs and masterÕs degrees in history from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, writing her master's thesis on the Black Power Movement in Lowndes County, Alabama. She presents this lecture as the Vivian G. Harsh Society's annual Timuel D. Black, Jr. Fellow.This event is brought to you by the Vivian G. Harsh Society and Vivian G. Harsh Research Collection at Chicago Public Library.How to AttendThis event is available in person and online. Registration is required.Attend in personWoodson Regional Library9525 S. Halsted Street, Chicago IL 60628Questions about visiting the library? Check out our Using the Library FAQ.Attend online via ZoomIf you would like to attend online, please register via Zoom. Only one registration per household is needed. YouÕll receive an email with a link to the secure Zoom meeting about 24 hours before the event. Questions about attending online events? Check out our Events FAQs.AccessibilityNeed sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email access@chipublib.org to request accommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before the event.Image Credits:Dr. Louis Coggs teaching at Provident nursing school circa 1958. Frances Minor Papers, Vivian G. Harsh Research Collection at Chicago Public Library.LeNie Adolphson, PhD Candidate Northeastern Illinois University.Logo, Vivian G. Harsh Society.

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