On August 8, 1963, three nurses sat in a "White's Only" cafeteria at Dixie Hospital in Hampton, Virginia. By doing so, they stood against discrimination and advocated for equal rights in healthcare and beyond. This courageous act not only highlighted the challenges of the era but also initiated important conversations about racial equality and civil rights.
In 2022, Denetra Hampton released a documentary that unveiled the story, resulting in the placement of a historical marker on January 4th at the former location of Dixie Hospital, which is now Hunter B Andrews Elementary School. The nurses, Mildred Smith, Agnes Stokes Chisman, and Patricia Taylor McKenzie, are now referred to as THE DIXIE 3, a term created by Denetra Hampton.
The Setting: An All-White Cafeteria
Dixie Hospital was founded by Alice Bacon. In 1891, Alice Mabel Bacon founded the Hampton Training School for Nurses, which began as a small two-room facility with limited staff and a horse-drawn wagon serving as an ambulance. In 1892, it relocated to a new location and was renamed "Dixie Hospital."
Ironically, although Dixie Hospital was established to serve the underserved, it was hesitant to allow employees of color to share its spaces. In 1963, the Civil Rights Movement ignited transformation, prompting these three nurses to declare that they had had enough. The sit-in was started by Mildred Smith, and upon realizing she shouldn't go alone, Agnes Stokes Chisman and Patricia Taylor McKenzie joined her.
They were fired on the second day of their sit-in and sued the hospital for racial discrimination. April 28, 1966 the U.S. 4th Circuit Court of Appeals unanimously reverses a lower court decision and ordered Dixie Hospital to reinstate the employment of nurses.
Weeks of informal discussions among healthcare workers had revealed a common sentiment: the cafeteria, which was intended to foster cooperation among all workers, instead reinforced divisions. Due to the bravery of these three nurses, the civil rights of other black employees were upheld.
Impact Of The African American Experience
African American nurses have always been advocates for health and equality, playing a crucial role in the advancement of healthcare access and social justice throughout history. From the early days of nursing, when they faced systemic racism and discrimination, African American nurses have consistently fought for the rights of their communities.
During the Civil Rights Movement, numerous African American nurses not only delivered crucial medical services but also took an active role in initiatives to break down racial barriers in the healthcare system. As they navigated through the challenges of a segregated healthcare system, they established organizations and initiatives aimed at improving health outcomes for African American populations.
Today, the contributions of African American nurses continue to influence the ongoing fight for health equity, as they work tirelessly to advocate for their patients and communities, striving to create a more just and equitable healthcare system for all.
The African American nursing experience is significant not only for people of color but also for a society advancing toward serving a diverse America.
A Documentary For Change
The documentary serves as a poignant reminder that discrimination should have no place in our society. It is a discussion surrounding discrimination and equal rights. Producer, Denetra Hampton hones in on the sit-in as a powerful illustration of how individuals can drive change in their communities and beyond. It calls on everyone—healthcare professionals, patients, and advocates—to champion equality and work towards a future where diversity is recognized and valued within healthcare.
In the months and years ahead, it is vital to maintain this momentum. The determination shown by those three nurses has ignited vital dialogue and has the potential to inspire widespread action across the entire healthcare system.
The documentary is scheduled at the following locations for Black History Month:
February 14-16 at 12 Noon The Hampton History Museum
February 22 at 3PM, Chrysler Museum of Art
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