Dayton, Ohio (February 21, 1909 -December 2, 2001) age 92 yrs

Helen Octavia Dickens was an African American physician. She was also a medical and social activist. Additionally, she was a health equity advocate, researcher, health administrator, and health educator. She was the first Black woman to be admitted to the American College of Surgeons in 1950. Dickens specialized in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dickens father, Charles Warren Dickens, born enslaved, was a water boy during the Civil War. Her mother, Canada, was a domestic servant. After graduating from high school, Dickens was accepted at Crane Junior College in Chicago. She attended the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Chicago. She graduated in 1934 as the only African American woman in a class of 137 students. Dr. Dickens had a long and influential career. She advocated for her patients. She helped to pave the way for female African American surgeons to follow.