Black History Month: Rockford's first Black dental practice
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.
February 8, 2024
In the late 1940s, Dr. J.I. Parks made history by becoming the first Black dentist to serve patients in Rockford. Despite facing challenges in finding a suitable rental space, he persevered and established his practice at 216 S. Main St.
Dr. Parks' practice thrived attracting white and Black patients for over a decade.
Want to learn more about J.I. Parks? 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: Rockford's first Black dental practice
