Dr. Susan McKinney Steward: African-American Hero

Susan Marie Smith was born in Weeksville, Brooklyn, New York on March 18, 1847 to Sylvanus and Anne Smith. She was the fifth of the seven Smith children. She had a unique mixed heritage; European, African-American and Shinnecock Indian. She grew up on the family’s pig farm in Brooklyn; her parents were successful pork merchants. As successful African-Americans they socialized with the elite of Brooklyn. At a young age she studied organ and later became the organist for the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) in Brooklyn.

In 1867 at 20 years of age, Susan Marie Smith entered the New York Medical College and Hospital for Women in New York City. After three years in medical school in March 23, 1870, she graduated valedictorian. Dr. Smith was the first African American woman to formally enter the medical profession in New York and the third in the nation.

After her graduation from Medical School Dr. Susan McKinney set up her first practice in her home in Brooklyn, New York. She was hard working, modest and compassionate. As the word of her talents spread, Dr. McKinney’s practice drew interracial clientele across the social barriers. She was extremely successful as a pediatrician; treating all kinds of childhood diseases. She then opened her second clinic in Manhattan. While practicing medicine in New York she founded the Women’s Royal Union of New York. She was actively involved in the Kings County Homeopathic Society.

In 1871 she married her first husband; a South Carolina Minister William G. McKinney, with whom she had two children; William and Anna. William followed in his father’s footsteps and became a clergyman and Anna a school teacher. In 1881 Dr. Susan McKinney confounded the Women’s Hospital and Dispensary in Brooklyn, which later became the Memorial Hospital for Women and Children. She also served on the staff of her alum mater New York Medical College and managed the Home for Aged colored people. She continued to play the organ and directed the church choir at her church; Brooklyn Bridges Street Church. 1894 her husband, Mr. McKinney became sick and passed away.