Dr. Lloyd Cox, A Hero in the Black Community

Dr. Lloyd Cox, an African American physician, was and remains to be the prime example of uplifting and supporting one's community. After graduating from Howard University, he moved to Dayton, Ohio in 1906 and quickly became involved in the black community and its wellbeing. Tackling issues such as living conditions, education, religion, health, and entertainment for African Americans, he soon found himself known in Dayton.    

Many African Americans credit their success and their goals being met thanks to Dr. Cox’s patient counseling, encouraging words, constructive criticism, and personal intervention. He was especially interested in uplifting education by making sure many black teachers were receiving appointments in the Dayton school system. Though there was now a rise in several black teachers, they still didn't find work due to the color of their skin, but Dr. Cox had the solution. He worked day and night to see that in 1933, Paul Lawrence Dunbar High School was built on South Summit Street so that all of the new highly qualified teachers find work and black students could receive a proper education. To further support the school, Dr. Cox drove to Gary, Indiana to meet with Dr. Fredrick McFarlane, who would be Paul Lawrence Dunbar’s first principle. He would also be a significant figure in the “Go to High School—Go to College” campaign, trying to encourage students to go to college after high school to further their educational career. 

Dr. Lloyd Cox held many roles in the Dayton community, a few of them being a member of the Montgomery County Medical Society, the Board of Directors of the American Red Cross, a 33rd Degree Mason, and many more. He wanted to be involved with the community as much as he could and help as many people as he could. Sadly, not everything can last forever. At the age of seventy-nine, Dr. Lloyd Cox passed away on September 8th, 1959 leaving behind a legacy that not enough residents of Dayton know about and should be remembered.   

White Collection (Luther) Donated by Yvette Ellis. 49-42 Box 9