Dr. 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. Lena Horne was an African American singer, dancer, actress, and civil rights activist. 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. Mary Jane McLeod Bethune was an American educator, stateswoman, philanthropist, humanitarian and civil rights activist best known for starting a private school for African-American students in Daytona Beach, Florida. She also was appointed as a national adviser to President Franklin D. Roosevelt as part of what was known as his Black Cabinet. Mary McLeod Bethune cutting her birthday cake at a well-attended party in the Somerville's back yard. Celebrating with her are Lena Horne (front row, 2nd from right), and Drs. John and Vada Somerville (on Bethune's right). The Somerville's lived at this house, at 2014 Virginia Road, from 1952 to at least 1962.
Type
image
Identifier
uclalsc_1889_b14_f10_042a.tif ark:/21198/z1hb0p8v
Subject
African American women politicians African American civil rights workers Birthday parties African American political activists Hill, Betty, 1876-1960 Bethune, Mary McLeod, 1875-1955 Horne, Lena Somerville, Vada, 1885-1972
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.
