Our History, Black History: Dr. Emma Wakefield-Paillet

There is an adage that states, “You never know where you are going unless you know where you have been.”

In the spirit of Black history month, the Monroe Dispatch will highlight stories and the history of Blacks that are not commonly known.

Dr. Emma Wakefield-Paillet was a trailblazing African American physician who made significant contributions to medicine and civil rights in Louisiana. Emma was born on November 21, 1868, in New Iberia to state senator Samuel Wakefield and Mrs. Amelia Valentine Wakefield. Her family fled New Iberia not long after her younger brother was lynched and the family home was terrorized by a mob of angry White citizens. She grew up in a time when opportunities for African Americans, especially women, were limited. Her family instilled in her a strong sense of pride and determination to overcome obstacles, and despite the challenges she faced, she pursued her dreams with resilience.

After completing her undergraduate studies at Xavier University of Louisiana, Dr. Wakefield-Paillet went on to earn her medical degree with honors in 1897, becoming the first African American woman to obtain a medical degree in the state. Her achievement was remarkable, considering the racial barriers she faced in the field of medicine. She received her Louisiana medical license on April 15, 1897.

In 1898, Dr. Wakefield-Paillet opened her medical practice in New Orleans, becoming the first Black woman to do so in the city. Dr. Wakefield-Paillet's professional career was marked by her dedication to serving underserved communities. Her compassionate approach and commitment to excellence earned her the respect and admiration of her colleagues and patients alike.

She later moved to San Francisco, California, in 1900, where she married Joseph Oscar Paillet of Opelousas, Louisiana, and obtained a medical license from the state of California in 1901.

In addition to her medical practice, Dr. Wakefield-Paillet was actively involved in the civil rights movement. She used her position to advocate for equal rights and access to healthcare for all, regardless of race or socioeconomic status.

Dr. Wakefield-Paillet's legacy extends beyond her professional accomplishments. She was a loving wife and mother, balancing her career with her family life. Her courage, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to justice continue to inspire generations of African American women in medicine and beyond. In recognition of her achievements, Dr. Wakefield-Paillet was inducted into the Louisiana Black History Hall of Fame. Her legacy serves as a reminder of the power of determination and the impact one individual can have on their community and the world.