Black History Month: Who was Estelle May?
How much do you know about Rockford's Black history? In celebration and recognition of Black History Month, the Rockford Register Star has partnered with the Rockford Public Library's Local History Room to bring our readers a local Black history fact of the day.
Visit rrstar.com or the Rockford Register Star newspaper each day throughout the month of February to read about the people, places and events that played significant roles in shaping the rich fabric of Rockford's Black history.
In 1950, Estelle May became the inaugural Black registered nurse on staff at St. Anthony Hospital, encouraged by Dr. Eric Roberts.
Before her tenure in Rockford, May worked as a nurse in the South at various institutions. Additionally, May was an active participant in local affairs, contributing her expertise to several community organizations, such as the local chapter of the NAACP.
Want to learn more about Estelle May? Visit the Rockford Public Library's Local History Room at rockfordpubliclibrary.org/local-history or in person at the Hart Interim Library, 214 N. Church St.
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Black History Month: Who was Estelle May?
