Date of Birth: August 13, 1933
Zodiac Sign: Leo
Biography
Joycelyn Elders, born Minnie Lee Jones, is an American pediatrician and public health administrator. She was born in Schaal, Arkansas, and became the first African American appointed as Surgeon General of the United States. Elders grew up in a poor, rural farming community and went on to earn a scholarship to Philander Smith College in Little Rock, Arkansas. After graduating, she joined the U.S. Army and trained as a physical therapist. Following her military service, Elders attended the University of Arkansas Medical School, where she earned her M.D. degree in 1960. Elders’ medical career was distinguished by her focus on pediatric endocrinology and her advocacy for better healthcare for underserved populations. She became particularly interested in issues related to teenage pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, and drug abuse. In 1993, President Bill Clinton appointed her as the U.S. Surgeon General. During her tenure, Elders was known for her outspoken views on controversial topics such as sex education, drug legalization, and reproductive health, which eventually led to her resignation in 1994. After her resignation, Elders continued her advocacy work and became a professor emerita at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. She remains a prominent figure in public health, particularly in the areas of sexual health education and reproductive rights.
5 Interesting Facts about Joycelyn Elders
1. Joycelyn Elders was the first African American and the second woman to serve as Surgeon General of the United States.
2. She served as the Director of the Arkansas Department of Health before becoming Surgeon General.
3. Elders was outspoken about the need for comprehensive sex education and was criticized for her progressive views.
4. She was the eldest of eight children and grew up in a sharecropping family in rural Arkansas.
5. Elders has published numerous articles and book chapters on pediatric endocrinology.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Joycelyn Elders
1. “We need to start focusing on what works, not on what’s politically correct.”
2. “I want every child that’s born to be wanted.”
3. “We can’t continue to sit back and pretend that our children are not being sexual beings.”
4. “Sex education should be based on science, not on wishful thinking.”
5. “The greatest public health problem is the failure to raise healthy children.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
Estimated highest net worth: $1 million
Children
Joycelyn Elders has two children, a son named Eric Elders and a daughter named Kevin Elders.
Relevant Links
2. [Interview with Joycelyn Elders](https://www.pbs.org/newshour/health/remembering-joycelyn-elders
