Sir Roger Makins was a British diplomat who served as British Ambassador to the United States from 1953 to 1956. Dr. John A. Somerville the day he was made an honorary officer of the "Civil Division of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire." He is shaking the hands with Sir Roger Makins, British Ambassador. Dr. James Somerville accompanied by Dr. Vada Somerville. Vada Somerville (born Vada Jetmore Watson) of Pomona graduated from USC, married dentist John Alexander Somerville (1912), was the first African American woman and the second African American person to graduate from USC School of Dentistry (1918), and was the first African American woman certified to practice dentistry in the state of California. She was a civil rights activist, highly involved in several civic and community organizations. Dr. John Somerville, born in Jamaica was the first black graduate of USC School of Dentistry (1907). He married Vada Jetmore Watson (1912), who also became a dentist. He built the Somerville Hotel (1928), was instrumental in the founding of the Los Angeles chapter of NAACP (1914), and served on the Police Commission 1949-1953. Dr. John Somerville, born in Jamaica was the first black graduate of USC School of Dentistry (1907). He married Vada Jetmore Watson (1912), who also became a dentist. He built the Somerville Hotel (1928), was instrumental in the founding of the Los Angeles chapter of NAACP (1914). He served on the Police Commission 1949-1953.
Type
image
Identifier
uclalsc_1889_b14_f15_005a.tif ark:/21198/z11279r4
Subject
African American civil rights workers African American businesspeople African American dentists Ambassadors Order of the British Empire Somerville, John Alexander, 1881-1973 Somerville, Vada, 1885-1972 Sherfield, Roger Mellor Makins, Baron, 1904-1996
If you're wondering about permissions and what you can do with this item, a good starting point is the "rights information" on this page. See our terms of use for more tips.
Share your story
Has Calisphere helped you advance your research, complete a project, or find something meaningful? We'd love to hear about it; please send us a message.
