Commemorating Louisiana’s First African American Female Physician
Event Date:November 3rd, 2018
Bouligny Plaza
128 W. Main Street
New Iberia, LA
(337) 519-3957
10 a.m.
The Iberia African American Historical Society will unveil a state historical marker commemorating the accomplishments of Emma Wakefield-Paillet, M.D., the first African American woman to earn a medical degree in Louisiana and to practice medicine in the state.
The ceremony will feature the reading of proclamations from the state, parish, city of New Iberia, and city of New Orleans declaring Nov. 3, 2018 as Dr. Emma Wakefield-Paillet Day; the reading of an original poem composed in honor of Dr. Wakefield-Paillet written by Dr. Darrell Bourque (2007 Poet Laureate of Louisiana); live music performances; and the displaying of an original painting by St. Martinville artist Dennis Paul Williams, inspired by Dr. Wakefield-Paillet’s legacy.
At 2 p.m. visitors will make their way to the old Essanee Theater (126 Iberia St.) for an afternoon of music and theater sponsored by the Iberia Performing Arts League (IPAL).
***For more information, contact Phebe Hayes, Ph.D., Founder & President, Iberia African American Historical Society at (337) 519-3957, info@iaahsonline.org, or visit IAAHSOnline.org***
