Dr. William Finlayson
MILWAUKEE - Dr. William Finlayson, one of the first Black physicians to practice medicine in Milwaukee hospitals, died on Monday, May 11 at 101 years old, a news release says.
A memorial service will be announced at a later date.
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Remembering Dr. William Finlayson
FOX6's Mary Stoker Smith joined Wisconsin Live Desk to talk about Dr. William Finlayson, who passed away on Monday, May 11. Mary recently shared with FOX6 viewers much more about Dr. Finlayson's legacy and impact on the community.
Mourning a pioneer
The backstory:
A news release says Dr. Finlayson was a pioneering figure who delivered more than 10,000 babies over his 40-year career.
The release goes on to say that throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Finlayson did more than practice medicine. He was a community icon who used his influence to improve the lives of others. He was active in Milwaukee's early civil rights movement in the 1950s and 60s, and he continued that engagement throughout his life, helping to establish Milwaukee's first Black bank.
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A graduate of Morehouse College, Dr. Finlayson earned his medical degree at Meharry Medical College and completed his residency at the University of Minnesota. During his time at Morehouse, he established his long friendship with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Finlayson power couple reshaped Black Milwaukee through medicine, money
Dr. William Finlayson delivered generations of Milwaukee babies and, with wife Edith, helped found North Milwaukee Bank after facing discrimination, thus expanding opportunity for Black residents.
Reaction
Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson
"I join those mourning the passing of Dr. William Finlayson. He led an impressive and impactful life, professionally and as a community leader.
"Milwaukee is healthier and stronger because of Dr. Finlayson's work.
"With the naming of a prominent street here, his memory is, appropriately, forever part of our city."
Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley
"Milwaukee has lost a true trailblazer. For nearly forty years, Dr. William Finlayson dedicated his life to the women of this community, serving as the first Black OB-GYN at St. Joseph's Hospital and Mount Sinai Hospital. His presence was a testament to the importance of representation in medicine, but his impact extended far beyond the hospital walls. As a civil rights leader, Dr. Finlayson helped shape the very fabric of Milwaukee. He founded the city's first Black-owned bank, expanding equal access to financial services for all Milwaukeeans, and played a pivotal role in bringing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to Milwaukee to lead protests and marches for fair housing.
"Dr. Finlayson's legacy is a powerful reminder that diverse voices in medicine and in leadership are essential to the overall health of our community. On behalf of Milwaukee County, I extend my deepest condolences to his family, his colleagues, and the thousands of lives he touched."
Street named in Finlayson's honor
Local perspective:
Milwaukee leaders gathered to rename N. 5th Street as Dr. William Finlayson Street in August 2023.
"Dr. Finlayson is among that group that we call the greatest in their generation," said then former Milwaukee Acting Mayor Marvin Pratt.
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"As you drive down this street, you will all remember the contributions of Dr. William Finlayson," said Sheila Finlayson, the doctor's daughter in August 2023.
Dr. William Finlayson Street honors Milwaukee doctor, city icon
Milwaukee leaders gathered to rename 5th Street as Dr. William Finlayson Street Tuesday, Aug. 8 in honor of the doctor and community figure.
The Source: Information in this post was provided by a news release and previous FOX6 News coverage.