A trailblazer in her time, gynecologist Dr. Josephine English is said to have delivered an estimated 6,000 babies throughout her illustrious career in Brooklyn.
English was born on Dec. 17, 1920 in Ontario, Va. to Whittie, Sr. and Jennie English. She grew up in Englewood, N.J. and received her B.A. from Hunter College, City University of New York in 1939. English went on to earn her M.A. in psychology from New York University.
She attended Meharry Medical School in Nashville, Tenn. and while there, became interested in obstetrics and gynecology. English graduated from medical school in 1949 and began her career by working at Harlem Hospital in Manhattan.
In 1956, English moved to Brooklyn and opened a women’s clinic in Bushwick, making her the first Black woman to open a private practice in the state of New York.
Over the years, she has delivered thousands of babies, including the daughter of former U.S. Secretary of Commerce Ron Brown, the six daughters of Malcolm X and Betty Shabazz and the two children of Pulitzer-prize winning playwright Lynn Nottage.
“She was incredibly ambitious, and she worked so hard,” said John Sheppard, English’s son. “She worked six days a week, and she delivered babies at all times of the day and night. She did abortions on Saturdays. You’d think Saturday would be a day off for her, but that was one of her hardest days.”
In 1979, English established the Adelphi Medical Center in Fort Greene to provide better medical care to both men and women. She soon added a senior citizens' center. In 1981, she started the Up the Ladder Day Care Center and After School Program and a summer youth camp.
Her work continued in 1982 when, in an effort to bring more of the arts to the community, she purchased a deserted church next to the Adelphi Medical Center and converted it into the Paul Robeson Theater.
In 1978, English established Health Is a Right for Everyone, a health clinic in Fort Greene. In 1989, HIRE changed its corporate name to Brooklyn Plaza Medical Center and relocated to 650 Fulton St., where it has resided ever since and carries out English’s mission: to serve the health care disparities of those underserved in Brooklyn.
In 1986, English became the first minority and the first woman to be awarded a license from the New York State Department of Health to develop a free-standing ambulatory surgical center.
Due to budget issues, English self-funded many of her programs and had to continuously fight foreclosure. The Brooklyn community stood behind English, and she has been honored with several awards, including the African Community Contribution Award and a Lucille Mason Rose Community Activist Award.
In 1996, Brooklynites formed the Dr. Josephine English Foundation in order to honor English and to carry on her health and welfare initiatives.
English reflected on her legacy in a 2008 oral history interview archived by the Center for Brooklyn History, part of the Brooklyn Public Library.
“I did it on my own, that's why I have nothing today. I'm a pauper,” said English. “But I love the community, and I love my people, and I tried so hard to help them.”
English passed away on Dec. 18, 2011 at the age of 91.
In July 2024, the intersection of President Street and New York Avenue in Crown Heights was co-named The English Way. New York Attorney General Letitia James, who knew English, spoke about her impact during the ceremony: “Dr. English was a transformational figure. She focused on maternal healthcare before it became a movement. She was in the forefront of maternal healthcare, particularly for Black women.”
Dr. Josephine English, we continue to be inspired by your work, your dedication to the health and wellbeing of New Yorkers and your deep impact on generations of Brooklyn families.
*Sources: The History Makers, BK Reader Staff, Brooklyn Plaza Medical Center
February is Black History Month! Every day this month, BK Reader will profile one Black History Maker born or raised in Brooklyn. There are countless Brooklynites— past and present— who have contributed to America's fabric as pioneers or leaders in art, entertainment, sports, science and government. This month, we present to you 28! Click here to see all of the profiles.
