*Happy Birthday, Dr. Justina Ford*

Описание: ‘Happy Birthday, Dr. Justina Ford’, the film, continues the year long tribute to recognize the first female African American licensed doctor in Colorado.

Produced and directed by Sylvia Lambe, the story includes interviews with Denverites who saved her home from demolition in the early 80s with rare footage of the house being physically moved from Arapahoe Street to its current location on California Street, now home to the Black American West Museum.
Her personal story of perseverance and compassion is told by Adrienne Martin-Fullwood, a reenactor who conveys not only the emotional impact of the many obstacles Dr Ford faced in her career but also her joy in providing medical care to the underserved in her Five Points community.

The 50 min historical journey of her life features heartwarming stories from her remaining patients, musical performances from artists such as Hazel Miller, and notable figures such as Senator Michael Bennet, Denver Broncos and Nugget players share their birthday wishes.

‘Happy Birthday, Dr. Justina Ford’ was first screened during the livestream broadcast on January, 22, 2021, her 150th birthday anniversary. And owing to the overwhelming positive feedback it is now available to view during Black History Month online.

About Dr. Justina Lorena Warren Ford Allen.
Dr. Ford, 1/22/1871 - 10/14/1952, was granted her medical license in 1902, but denied membership to the Colorado Medical Society and Denver Medical Society. The membership was required to work in the hospitals, so she set up practice in her home on 2335 Arapahoe Street in 1911. After she wrote another letter to the Society in the fall of 1949, outlining her credentials, she was granted her membership in January 1950. She practiced from October 1902 through October 1952.
The house was scheduled to be demolished in 1983. However, City Council member Hiawatha Davis, and BAWM Curator Paul Stewart filed an injunction to stop the demolition. The house was moved in March 1984 from 2335 Arapahoe Street, to 3091 California Street. After 4 years of restoration the BAWM was relocated from the basement of KDKO radio at 26th and Welton Street, to Dr. Ford's former home.