It is October a.k.a P.T. month. Time to celebrate those who have paved the way for current and future physical therapists everywhere. Every one in the field of physical therapy knows about Florence P. Kendall. If not, then Google her. According to many, she is one of the most influential physical therapists and educators. She is also in the Maryland Women’s Hall of Fame. Kendall’s books are used heavily in physical therapy practices and schools across the nation. Not that it is a big deal but of course, she is white (which is not hard to believe since she gets so much recognition). People praise her for everything that she has done for the world of physical therapy.
On my quest to find more black physical therapists, I decided to search for influential/famous figures. You hear about African Americans such as Dr. Charles Drew and Dr. Ben Carson in the medical world but nobody in rehabilitation medicine. It is almost as if society is hiding us; yet they are so quick to show black people committing crimes or acting out like wild animals. It’s not fair at all.
So one night while I was super bored, I decided to google “black physical therapists”. I did not get many hits so I changed it from “Black” to “African American”. Some stuff popped up such as minority scholarships and HBCUs with P.T. programs. But one name stuck out: Bessie Blount Griffin (1914-2009). I pulled up the website and I was amazed at what I was reading. She was one of the first African American physical therapists in the United States. I had never heard of or saw a picture of her before. I never even saw her acknowledged during black history month. In addition to being a P.T., she was a forensic scientist and an inventor during a time when racism was so prevalent.
It sent a chill down my spine. I’m not going to go into great detail but, she contributed a great deal to the world of P.T. in the 1950s up until her death. How did I not know about her? Are they hiding us so that we cannot have our own positive figures or role models? Maybe I am over-thinking it (not really).
Anyway, click on the links below to learn more about Bessie Blount and the obstacles she overcame to build a legacy. I am encouraged more than ever to make a name for myself. People will know my face and name for all of my contributions to the community. Many do not know about her but I guarantee you that it won’t be for long. For this reason, black history month should be extended to the same length as white history year! If black lives matter, then so does black education!
http://www.aaregistry.org/historic_events/view/savior-handicapped-bessie-blount
I am new to this blog thing so feel free to ask questions and I can answer them or come up with a FAQ post. Remember that we rise by lifting others!
My Journey As a Black PT Student 
Im not a PT, but love your blog. Have you ever thought about pressing the authors of all of the PT books to incorporate Mrs. Bessie Blount in their literature. Starting a national campaign on social media as well as having a booth set up at all of the major PT conferences across the US. Inviting her family, The country she sold her ideas too? She should be known.
LikeLike
Hi Mona! I would love to spread the word about her. I just do not know how to go about it. She has contributed a lot to the world of physical therapy and people need to know her name. Thank you for reading my blog. It feels absolutely wonderful to have a voice in my community. People need to know about Ms. Blount
LikeLike
I always read your blogs over and over when I need a little motivation! Being the only black person in my PT class, this inspiration is well needed! I actually did a presentation on Bessie Blount Griffin because of you! Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Jasmine! Thank you for reading my blog and I am so glad that you were able to educate others about such a wonderful person and inspiration. I would love to see your presentation. How is PT school treating you. Congrats on making it through :-). I need to post another update ASAP.
LikeLike
Thank you for this blog. I am a PT and this is very insightful and uplifting. To know that there is almost no field of study that we have not touched in an impactful way means so much to me as black woman and a PT!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s so empowering and I truly feel so blessed. Thank you for supporting my blog. My goal is to inspire the next person. Of course we have to fight harder but it’s so worth it when the battle is won.
LikeLike
[…] The conference theme this year included many talks about empowerment and diversity. I was able to sit amongst some very strong women of different faiths and colors and learned so much from sharing experiences. Did you know that one of the first African American Physical Therapists, Bessie Blount Griffin (1914 – 2009) passed away quietly without any acknowledgment from the American Physical Therapy Association? I had never seen her picture or know of her wonderful inventions and work as a PT and a forensic scientist. Please read about her here in this wonderful blog post. […]
LikeLiked by 1 person