BET Experience

Previous Gay Marriage: Will the Supreme Court Weigh In?

National

Businessman Says Ex-Detroit Mayor Got Free Flights Next

This Day in Black History: Dec. 6, 1892

Theodore K. Lawless, medical researcher and philanthropist, was born.

By Jonathan P. Hicks

Posted: 12/06/2012 08:00 AM EST

Filed Under Theodore K. Lawless, Northwestern University, This Day in Black History, National News, NAACP

Theodore K. Lawless

(Photo: Wikicommons)

Theodore K. Lawless was a celebrated African-American dermatologist and medical researcher who was renowned for his work in research in leprosy and syphilis.

He was born in Thibodeaux, Louisiana, on Dec. 6, 1892, and soon moved with his father, a Congregational minister, to New Orleans. He received his degree from Northwestern University. After graduating in 1924, he returned to Chicago to open his dermatology practice in a poor, Black neighborhood. He became an instructor at Northwestern the same year and taught there until 1941.

He established the first clinical laboratory for dermatology. A shrewd investor and businessman, he had a remarkable business career. He was director of both the Supreme Life Insurance Company and Marina City Bank. He was also a charter member, associate founder and president of Service Federal Savings and Loan in Chicago. He was a recipient of the NAACP's Spingard Medal for 1954.

Lawless died in Chicago on May 1, 1971.

BET National News - Keep up to date with breaking news stories from around the nation, including headlines from the hip hop and entertainment world. Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.

This Day in Black History: May 22, 1940 05/22/2013
This Day in Black History: May 21, 1904 05/21/2013
This Day in Black History: May 20, 1954 05/20/2013
This Day in Black History: May 19, 1930 05/19/2013
This Day in Black History: May 18, 1946 05/18/2013
This Day in Black History: May 16, 1929 05/16/2013
This Day in Black History: May 15, 2002 05/15/2013
This Day in Black History: May 14, 1927 05/14/2013
This Day in Black History: May 13, 1891 05/13/2013
This Day in Black History: May 12, 1951 05/12/2013
This Day in Black History: May 11, 1968 05/11/2013
This Day in Black History: May 10, 1837 05/10/2013
This Day in Black History: May 9, 1963 05/09/2013
This Day in Black History: May 8, 1915 05/08/2013
This Day in Black History: May 7, 1943 05/07/2013
This Day in Black History: May 6, 1960 05/06/2013
This Day in Black History: May 5, 1905 05/05/2013
This Day in Black History: May 4, 1941 05/04/2013
This Day in Black History: May 3, 1921 05/03/2013
This Day in Black History: May 2, 1844 05/02/2013

Follow BET

On Facebook

On Twitter

Related Topics

This Day in Black History

Comments

Wealth Wednesdays •personal finance •Stacey Tisdale •wealth building •National News •106 & Park •Ray J •Global News •Zimbabwe •Africa •Robert Mugabe •African Union •John Kerry •Ethiopia •Sevyn Streeter •Music News •Kirk Franklin •tornado •Oklahoma tornadoes •Oklahoma •Oklahoma City •Moore, Oklahoma •Season 6 •The Game •Superfan Sideline Wrap-up •Mark O'Mara •George Zimmerman •Trayvon Martin •Mos Def •NYPD •

Most Recommended

How You Can Help the Victims in Oklahoma

The Red Cross, Salvation Army and more ways to give. 05/21/2013

A Snapshot of the African-American Financial Experience

Paying down debt is top priority for Blacks. 05/21/2013

Export Your Summer Jobs Search

What to know about taking a summer job overseas. 05/21/2013

Out and About: Solange Hits the New Museum in NYC

Plus pics of A$AP Rocky, Amber Rose, Nicki Minaj and more. 05/22/2013

The Rundown: French Montana, Excuse My French

A track-by-track review of the Bronx rapper's debut LP. 05/20/2013

Bump Watch: Celebrity Pregnancy Denials

Bey, Brandy and other stars plagued by baby rumors. 05/21/2013