ABC #047: Three More Black Trailblazers - Dr. James Betts, Barbara Blackshear, ”Jocko” Henderson

February is Black History Month.  All Bones Considered: Laurel Hill Stories gives you Three More Black Trailblazers.

• Dr. James Alexander Batts was an early champion of improving prenatal care for Philadelphia’s African American population.
• Barbara Blackshear rose from working as a “computer” and helping produce the legendary Xerox 8010 “Star” to become vice-president of strategic planning for the company.
• Douglas “Jocko” Henderson was one of the top deejays on the East Coast, introduced Little Stevie Wonder to the Apollo Theater audience, and is considered by many to be the first “Rap MC” from Philadelphia.

All three of these Black pioneers are interred at Laurel Hill West.