Breakdown:

1. Early Life and Career:
   • Viola Edwards, born in 1874 to formerly enslaved Black parents in Wetumpka, Alabama, learned to read and write and later trained as a nurse.
   • She attended the Tuskegee Institute, becoming one of the first graduates from its nursing program, where she served under Dr. J. Kenney, the medical director.
   • Viola moved to Pensacola, Florida, after marrying Willie Edwards, a widower and prominent Black figure working for the U.S. Postal Service.
2. Establishing the Viola Edwards Hospital:
   • In 1924, Viola founded the first maternity hospital for Black women in Pensacola, hiring an all-Black staff. This was significant as Jim Crow laws denied Black people access to proper medical care.
   • Her hospital provided much-needed services to the Black community, but it also gained attention from white residents in the racially divided city.
3. The Tragic Incident:
   • In 1927, Eugene Turner, a prominent businessman, brought his white, pregnant secretary, Dorothy Fredrickson, to Viola’s hospital for an abortion.
   • Dorothy became ill and died days later, leading to an investigation. Viola, Turner, and her Black medical staff were charged with Dorothy’s death, even though evidence suggested Dorothy had pre-existing heart issues.
4. Trial and Racial Tensions:
   • The trial began in September 1927 with a jury of six white men. The prosecution painted Viola and her hospital as dangerous, racially charged threats.
   • Despite the racial bias, Viola and her co-defendants were found not guilty. The courtroom erupted in mixed emotions—some applauding, while others, particularly in the white community, were enraged.
5. Second Trial and Destruction:
   • Unsatisfied with the verdict, the prosecution brought a second case against Viola for the death of the fetus. Around the same time, her hospital and home were set on fire, marking a vicious backlash from the white community.
   • Realizing she would never receive a fair trial in Florida, Viola fled Pensacola, leaving behind her life’s work. She moved to Detroit in hopes of finding peace.
6. Legacy:
   • Viola Edwards’ story highlights the intense racial discrimination faced by Black professionals during Jim Crow. Despite her groundbreaking achievements in healthcare, she was targeted by the justice system and white society.
   • Her legacy, however, stands as a testament to resilience and the contributions of Black nurses in a segregated America.