Denver’s Curtis Park is now home to a new sanctuary, the Dr. Justina Ford Healing Garden. This tranquil space honors Dr. Justina Ford, the city’s first Black female physician, and is located at her former home, now the Black American West Museum and Heritage Center. The Garden serves as a living tribute to Dr. Ford’s five decades of providing holistic care to underserved communities.

A Doctor’s Enduring Legacy

Born in 1871, Dr. Ford earned her medical degree in 1899. Despite immense discrimination that denied her hospital access, she transformed her home into a thriving medical practice. There, she delivered over 7,000 babies and provided essential care to those with nowhere else to go. As a former museum curator aptly noted, “She never asked if you had money—only how she could help,” embodying a truly comprehensive approach to health.

Dr. Ford’s remarkable life, spanning 81 years, defied the average life expectancy for Black women of her era, which for those born in 1871 was often in the low to mid-30s. Her longevity speaks volumes about her resilience and commitment.

A Garden for Well-being

Inspired by Dr. Ford’s spirit of healing, this intimate Garden encourages visitors to cultivate their own spaces for reflection and self-care. A winding path guides you through a diverse landscape featuring native plants, vibrant sunflowers, and echinacea, all chosen for their beauty and medicinal properties. Visitors will also discover lamb’s quarters, a nutritious wild edible, and an elderberry bush, renowned for its immune-boosting benefits, alongside other herbs, rhubarb, and hops, all connecting the Garden to natural health principles.

Legacy in Full Bloom

Dr. Ford’s dedication and resilience are widely recognized throughout metropolitan Denver. You can find a bronze bust of her at the light rail station at 30th and Downing Street, and a mural adorns the area at 27th and Welton Streets. A replica of her original medical office is preserved inside the Museum. Her legacy extends to a bronze statue in Aurora depicting her cradling a baby, and in 2021, the Dr. Justina Ford Elementary School opened in Centennial. In 1985, she was inducted into the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame. Furthermore, a State Proclamation signed by Governor Jared Polis in 2021 forever designates January 22 as Dr. Justina Ford Day in Colorado, a poignant symbol of her tireless work.

The Dr. Justina Ford Healing Garden’s dedication on Saturday, July 27, was a truly moving event. Neambe Leadon, Senior Manager of Food Sovereignty at Metro Caring, served as hostess, sharing insights into Dr. Ford’s profound legacy before unveiling the Garden’s new plaque. This beautiful inscription honors Dr. Ford, acknowledging her “unwavering commitment to healing and compassion.”

Following the unveiling, guests mingled as they sipped cups of Sorrel tea, a deep-red beverage with historical ties to health and heritage. The intergenerational gathering saw several of Dr. Ford’s former patients from the Silent Generation engaging warmly with younger birth workers—Millennial and Gen Z doulas and midwives, as well as educators and other supporters.

Attendees naturally started talking about how the plants in the Garden can be used for healing, which shows just how timeless Dr. Ford’s approach to health is. The peaceful Garden doesn’t just add beauty to the Museum—it also helps us better understand Dr. Ford’s extraordinary life and the impact she made.

As we reflect on what Dr. Ford left behind, it serves as a poignant reminder to prioritize self-care and consider how spending time in nature can offer therapeutic benefits. Even something like planting a small healing garden can be a great way to support both our physical and mental well-being.