Monroe Majors’ friend ran into the living room, frantically waving a piece of wrinkled paper. As Majors read it, his heart sunk. It seemed like the rumors were true.
They couldn’t join racist white medical associations, so Majors and 13 other Texas doctors had started the 2nd African American Medical Association in the U.S. Whites, upset at their success, hatched a horrific plan in response.
As he read the note, he was filled with a heavy sense of dread. Still, he remained calm.
The KKK had put them on a “kill” list! They were brilliant doctors, filling their community with pride while keeping them healthy – but that was too much for white jealousy.
Majors’ family quickly packed what they could carry and fled. Sadly, when he reached safety, Majors learned that two of the doctors on the list were brutally murdered! Was retreat the right choice?
Medicine was a sacred calling to Majors – and he vowed to continue helping his people despite white threats and oppression, even if it meant escaping a dangerous situation.
Self-respect can mean valuing one’s life, work, and family more than one’s pride. If we recognize this, we can achieve our ultimate goal of helping and uplifting our people for generations to come.