South Carolina’s Matilda Evans: A Medical Pioneer

The Life of a Trailblazer

Matilda Arabella Evans was born four years after the abolition of slavery and raised on a family farm in eastern Aiken County. She was the first African American woman in South Carolina to obtain a medical license and fervently championed better healthcare for African Americans, with a particular focus on children. Her early life experiences, academic accomplishments, strong religious beliefs and innovative medical approaches made her a crucial figure in enhancing healthcare accessibility for families in South Carolina, especially during the difficult era of racial segregation, when she also served as a civic advocate to uplift her local community. Authors Dr. Walter B. Curry, Beverly Aiken Muhammad and Anusha Ghosh reveal the inspirational story of Dr. Evans and her remarkable journey throughout her career.

Dr. Walter B. Curry Jr. obtained a bachelor’s degree in political science and a doctorate in curriculum and instruction. In 2018, he established Renaissance Publications LLC, a self-publishing venture dedicated to producing works that highlight African American history through the lens of ancestry. Beverly Aiken-Muhammad is the eldest granddaughter of Dr. Matilda A. Evans. She is the founder, executive director and CEO of the Dr. Matilda A. Evans Educational Foundation LLC, a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Anusha Ghosh is currently pursuing her MD at the University of South Carolina-Columbia. She is dedicated to enhancing the healthcare system, especially for marginalized and stigmatized populations.