J. Lee Pickens
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J. Lee Pickens | |
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Born | November 25, 1891 Mobile, Alabama |
Died | April 23, 1942 Pensacola, Florida |
Occupation | Physician |
John Lee Pickens was one of Pensacola's first black physicians. He was the namesake of the J. Lee Pickens School.
Pickens graduated from Meharry Medical College in 1911.[1]
Throughout his time in Pensacola, Pickens advocated for improvements to Pensacola's then-segregated black schools. He led efforts to secure books and typewriters for Booker T. Washington High School as well as drinking fountains at Spencer Bibbs Elementary School. He also led drives to provide clothing for underprivileged schoolchildren. In recognition of Pickens' longtime advocacy, the Escambia County School Board voted on October 5, 1949 to name the J. Lee Pickens School in Pickens' honor.[2]