JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI 1930s

 

Based on the available evidence, this woman's identity is not known. I can't accurately name her from the photograph alone.

What can be said with reasonable confidence is:

She appears to be an African American obstetric nurse or midwife standing outside her residence or practice.

The sign behind her :

"CLARK HOMES / OBSTETRIC NURSE / HOME NURSING"

The image is consistent with the 1930s in Mississippi, a period when Black nurses and midwives were indispensable in providing maternal and infant care to Black communities that were largely excluded from segregated hospitals.

The Mississippi Department of Archives and History holds many photographs of Black public health nurses and midwives from this era, but many of the individuals were unfortunately not identified by name in archival records.

Delivered babies in patients' homes.
Provided prenatal and postpartum care.
Traveled throughout their communities carrying medical kits.
Educated families about infant care, sanitation, and nutrition.
Served as trusted healthcare providers during the Jim Crow era, especially in rural Black communities where physicians were scarce.