Historical Marker Commemorates Landmark Decision

On Tuesday, November 1, 2016, the Greensboro Medical Society unveiled an historical marker commemorating the decision by the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals in Simkins v. Moses H. Cone Memorial Hospital, 323 F.2d 959 (4th Cir. 1963).  The opinion effectively desegregated hospitals by holding that the “separate but equal” standard was unconstitutional as applied to publicly funded hospitals.

The marker is located on the east side of North Elm Street adjacent to Moses H. Cone Memorial hospital.  Justice Henry Frye explained the legal background and significance of the opinion.  Members of the Simkins, Barnes and Blount families were present and participated in the unveiling.