Open main menu

J. Lee Pickens

John Lee Pickens was one of Pensacola's first black physicians. He was the namesake of the J. Lee Pickens School.

J. Lee Pickens
Born November 25, 1891
Mobile, Alabama
Died April 23, 1942
Pensacola, Florida
Occupation Physician

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]

ReferencesEdit

  1. United States Deceased Physician File (AMA), 1864-1968
  2. "Pickens School Is Named For Negro Leader in Area." 23 October 1949.