The world bids a heartfelt farewell to Dr. June Jackson Christmas, an esteemed psychiatrist and cherished member of the Jackie Robinson Foundation, who passed away on December 31st. Dr. Christmas dedicated her life to improving mental health services for vulnerable communities, leaving an indelible mark on the nation.
A Trailblazer in Psychiatry
Dr. Christmas blazed trails throughout her illustrious career. As one of the three pioneering Black graduates of Vassar College in 1945, she continued to defy expectations by becoming one of only seven women to graduate from the Boston University School of Medicine in 1949. After completing her residency at New York City’s Bellevue Hospital and receiving a certificate in psychoanalysis from the William Alanson White Institute, she practiced privately and worked at the Riverdale Children’s Association for 12 years.
The Harlem Rehabilitation Center
In 1964, Dr. Christmas founded the Harlem Rehabilitation Center, a groundbreaking program at Harlem Hospital that provided vocational training and psychiatric services to patients reintegrating into their communities. Her significant contributions earned national acclaim. Additionally, she served as the principal investigator on research projects for the National Institute of Mental Health.
A Commendable Public Servant
In 1972, Mayor John Lindsay appointed Dr. Christmas as the commissioner of the New York City Department of Mental Health and Retardation Services. Her exemplary service continued under the leadership of Mayors Abraham Beame and Edward Koch. While in this position, she even served as the head of President Jimmy Carter’s 12-member transition team for the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare.
An Academic Legacy
Dr. Christmas’s impact extended into the academic realm. She held various positions, including serving as a Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, Professor of Behavioral Science at the City University of New York School of Medicine, and Resident Professor of Mental Health Policy at Brandeis University’s Heller Graduate School of Social Welfare. Her accomplishments also included founding the Urban Issues Group, a research institute, and co-founding the American Psychiatric Association Committee on Black Psychiatrists. Moreover, she became the first Black woman to serve as President of the American Public Health Association.
A Passion for Equality
Raised by activist parents who fought for equal treatment and rights, Dr. Christmas began advocating for equal rights at a young age. She actively participated in protests and championed causes related to fair treatment in areas such as housing, labor, and access to public services. Her commitment to civil rights, mental health, and equality drove her impactful work.
A Friendship Inspired by Purpose
Dr. Christmas and her husband, Walter Christmas, a founder of the Harlem Writers Guild, shared a profound friendship with Jackie and Rachel Robinson. Through their mutual dedication to advancing civil rights and mental health, Dr. Christmas and Rachel Robinson connected during the 1960s. This connection eventually led Dr. Christmas to become a board member of the Jackie Robinson Foundation (JRF) from 1989 to 2018. She hosted luncheons in her home for JRF Scholars interested in healthcare careers, demonstrating her unwavering support for the next generation of medical professionals. Dr. Christmas served as a longtime chairperson of the JRF Board Program Committee and held the title of JRF director emeritus until her passing. Her legacy at the Jackie Robinson Foundation encompasses excellence, compassion, and humility.
Honoring Dr. June Jackson Christmas
We extend our deepest sympathies to Dr. Christmas’s children, Rachel Christmas Derrick and Gordon Christmas, as well as to the late Vincent Christmas. Their willingness to share their remarkable mother with the JRF community is deeply appreciated. Our condolences also go out to all of Dr. Christmas’s family members, friends, and colleagues.
Dr. June Jackson Christmas was a woman of extraordinary accomplishments and courage. Her simple revelation, that “maybe if I went into psychiatric medicine, I could teach people not to be racist,” touched the hearts and minds of many. May she rest in eternal peace.
FAQs
Q: What was the cause of Dr. June Jackson Christmas’s death?
A: The cause of Dr. June Jackson Christmas’s death has not been publicly disclosed.
Q: How can I learn more about the Jackie Robinson Foundation and their work honoring Dr. Christmas?
A: To learn more about the Jackie Robinson Foundation and their commitment to preserving Dr. June Jackson Christmas’s legacy, please visit the official website: Celebrity Deaths 2024.
