UNESCO UNVEILING - 2019
PEOPLE'S FREE HEALTH CENTER (PFHC)
Origin of PFHC - Then:
In 1970-'71 the Peoples's Free Health Center (PFHC) was organized by the Black Panther Party. This was one of multiple programs created by the Black Panther Party to address basic needs of a community that was being excluded, like health care. One of their community activist members was assigned the task to get the services started for the community. This member contacted numerous doctors to explain their mission and to ask if they would volunteer their service. One Doctor responded with a yes and the first service for the People's Free Heath Center was scheduled. The initial location from the information provided, was at the Teenage Organization of Productive Services (TOPS) (aka) Youth Program Center, which was located then at the North East corner of Main and Pleasant Street (Across from the Green) in Middletown, CT.
Survival programs:
Truth be known the Black Panther Party is a positive entity of history with prescient visions of survival programs that included...the People's Free Health Center, People's Free Breakfast Program, People's Free Clothing Program plus many, many more. Despite their efforts to mobilize communities to be self sufficient, there were continued attempts by authorities to discredit them, which is why the narrative of all the positives accomplished were minimized or just not told! While the negative and misinformed narrative became headlines.
People's Free Health Center (PFHC) - Then:
An Administration Office location for PFHC then, was an area inside the Middlesex Theater building located then on Main Street in Middletown, CT.
Photo by: Cinema Treasures
Community Health Center - Now:
With caring affection, the idea behind this health facility grew and matured from childhood through a generation into adulthood.
His And Her Story...Then and Now!
Daniel Y. Stewart, His-Story
Proud Beyond Words...says his granddaughter-Victoria Johnson:
Daniel Y. Stewart, a native of Washington DC, moved to New Haven as a young man. He met Effie Albright and they were married on November 6, 1916, by the late Dr. Edward F. Goin who was then Pastor of the Dixwell Avenue Congregational Church.
Always following a community oriented path, Mr. Stewart worked as an interviewer for the Connecticut State Employment Service. In addition, he worked with Community Progress Inc., as a Public Relations Coordinator for the Neighborhood Services Program.
From 1975 through 1980 Daniel Y. Stewart published four (4) books: Black New Haven, Black Women in Greater New Haven, The Dan Stewart Story and New Haven Black History (a Pictorial Digest) all dedicated to the city he loved focusing his efforts to improve and encourage a sense of community pride.
Mr. Stewart and Dr. Fred Smith were the original founders of the Freddie Fixer Parade. He enjoyed sharing with others who shared his goals.
A plaque named "Daniel Y. Stewart Plaza" was established in his honor on Dixwell Avenue in front of the Dixwell Community House which also held a sculpture of Mr. Stewart. Sculpture by: J.J. Correale
Note: Both the Plaza and the Community (Q) House are currently under construction.
The Stewarts and Johnsons
A Family Legacy of New Haven
Aubrey Williams, His-Story
Elm City Black Men's Legacy - Part 1
