Abby Connolly
Despite that, Joycelen continued to push for legislation that made health education, substance abuse prevention, etc., part of American children’s school curriculums.
She also did amazing work that expanded Arkansas’ prenatal care programs and helped increase childhood immunizations.
When Bill Clinton became President, he made Joycelen the U.S. Surgeon General in 1993, making her the first African American and second woman ever to hold the position.
As she continued to speak out on health topics and subjects that more conservative groups deemed controversial, she faced racism and harsh critiques from other Americans.
Because of the backlash to her comments, which promoted educating children on all aspects of health, she resigned from the U.S. Surgeon General position in 1994.
The following year, she returned to the University of Arkansas to work as a faculty researcher and professor of pediatric endocrinology at the Arkansas Children’s Hospital.
Today, Joycelen is retired and 90 years old but continues to voice her opinions as a public health advocate.
Joycelen is an admirable woman who was not afraid to have difficult conversations to improve the health and education of Americans, and her historical milestone will always be remembered.
