Coming Soon
Remember Me To Your Sister
Remember Me To Your Sister is the first deeply researched biography of Dr. Cole, the second Black woman in the U.S. to earn a medical degree. Drawing on extensive archival research, this work places Cole’s life within the broader history of Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and Columbia, SC, tracing the professional and social worlds she moved through across these regions..
In Remember Me to Your Sister, readers encounter the life of Dr. Rebecca J. Cole, a woman who entered medicine in the 19th century when few women, and almost no Black women, had the opportunity to do so. In addition to being the second African American woman physician in the nation, Cole became the first Black woman doctor to practice in Pennsylvania, New York, and South Carolina.
Her career unfolded across classrooms, clinics, charitable institutions, and federal service, revealing how one woman built a professional life within the shifting boundaries of race, gender, and opportunity in post–Civil War America. Genealogical research also reveals that Rebecca Cole’s family line included Lenape ancestry, adding a rarely acknowledged Native dimension to the story of one of America’s earliest women physicians.
Marianne K. Maguire skillfully narrates Dr. Cole's groundbreaking achievements and unwavering determination, painting a vivid portrait of her journey from Philadelphia to her influential role as a physician and advocate for women's health, spanning across New York, South Carolina, and Washington, D.C.
But beyond Dr. Cole's individual triumphs lies a powerful exploration into the vibrant, Free Black Community that influenced her path. Through encounters with fellow pioneers like Dr. Caroline V. Anderson and Caroline R. Le Count, Dr. Cole's story unfolds against the backdrop of a community striving for progress and equality. Maguire's meticulous research illuminates the interconnectedness within this community, showcasing the strength found in unity and shared aspirations.
By immersing oneself in Dr. Cole's story, readers gain valuable insights into the challenges faced by African Americans in the 19th century, fostering a deeper appreciation for her enduring legacy. "Remember Me to Your Sister" brings to life the story of Dr. Rebecca J. Cole, a forgotten heroine, and celebrates the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. With engaging prose and thoughtful analysis, Maguire invites readers on a journey that transcends time and borders, offering a poignant reminder of the power of perseverance, compassion, and sisterhood. Prepare to be inspired and uplifted by this unforgettable exploration of history and humanity.