It was no accident or stroke of luck that Dr. Albert Bazaar Britton Jr. was the first African-American physician admitted to the staff of Baptist Hospital in Jackson, Miss. The life he began in Enterprise, Miss. in 1922 would lead to the pursuit of excellence in medicine, securing equality for all through civil rights and working to enhance our community through service. That life ended Monday. Dr. Albert Britton Jr. was 88.
Born to Reverend Albert Bazaar Britton, a Methodist minister and Mary Perkins Britton, a schoolteacher and housewife, Dr. Britton was a studious child who chose medicine as a profession early on. His 1940 Lanier High School graduation evidenced both leadership and intellect: Dr. Britton was both student body president and valedictorian.
Dr. Britton’s undergraduate work was completed at Tougaloo College. His education continued at the Howard University College of Medicine where he obtained his degree in 1947. His medical internship was completed at Freedman Hospital in Washington, D.C. and his work in Obstetrics and Gynecology was completed at Flynt Goodridge Hospital in New Orleans, La.
Education and public service were paramount in Dr. Britton’s life, yet he still found time to come to the aid of his country. His military service took place during World War II and the Korean War. That, he also did with distinction, earning the Bronze Star for excellent medical service while in the armed forces. Dr. Britton made a tremendous mark in the medical field, participating in the first clinical trials of penicillin shots at Fort McClellan, Ala. in 1944.
During the Civil Rights Era, Dr. Britton used his knowledge and influence to help make a difference for so many in Mississippi and around the nation. President Dwight D. Eisenhower appointed him to the Mississippi Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. Dr. Britton testified to the denial of African-American voting rights at a hearing before the Commission when it convened in Jackson, Miss. in 1964. He also met with Martin Luther King, Jr., Stokely Carmichael, Charles Evers, James Farmer and Jim Foreman to finalize the Mississippi Freedom March.
Dr. Britton was a Charter Member of the Mississippi Health Services Agency and served as its secretary, vice-president and president as well as being a member of its Board of Directors. He was co-director of the Nurse Midwifery program of the University of Mississippi Medical Center and Director of the County Health Improvement Program at UMMC.
To make sure that future generations of African-Americans were able to pursue medical careers, Dr. Britton directed the federally funded Medical Preceptorship Program for black medical students both in Mississippi and out of state. Dr. Britton’s 1969 testimony before the U.S. Senate led to permanent changes to the health care delivery system in Mississippi and studies of the rates of poverty and hunger among its residents. These efforts were also noticed nationally. Dr. Britton served the National Medical Association as a member of the Board of Directors and vice-president. The organization recognized his work by honoring him as the General Practitioner of the Year.
The honors, awards and professional achievements mentioned here barely scratch the surface of who Dr. Albert Bazaar Britton Jr. was. The best testimony comes from the thousands of babies he delivered and families he cared for. In fact, his greatest gift might be the 64 years he spent as a general practitioner with a sub-specialty in Obstetrics and Gynecology at 527½ North Farish Street in Jackson, Miss.
Dr. Britton’s contributions to the medical profession, his struggle for civil rights and work in the armed forces ensure that though he is no longer with us, his legacy will live on.
He is survived by his wife, Maxcine Young Britton. He leaves behind children: Albert Britton III, M.D., Tanya Britton, Camilla Britton Lewis and Kevin Young. Dr. Britton also leaves twelve grandchildren, including Marcus Louis Britton, M.D., and eight great grandchildren. His two surviving sisters, Mrs. Grace Britton Sweet and Mrs. Lucille Wade also mourn the loss of their brother. Dr. Britton survived his first wife, Frances Williams Britton and two daughters, Anna Maria and Therese.
Visitation will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church located at 653 Claiborne Avenue in Jackson on Friday at 6 p.m. The funeral mass will take place Saturday at 1 p.m. Collins Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.
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