St. Louis, MO, Legal action taken by the Homer G. Phillips Nurses Alumni, Inc® garners support from two distinguished historians invited to speak at a fundraiser at the Missouri History Museum on December 3, 2023.
Joining us via ZOOM is Gerald Horne, Ph.D. He holds the Moores Professorship of History and African American Studies at the University of Houston. Dr. Horne is a noted scholar and author. Ezelle Sanford III, Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor of History, at Carnegie Mellon University and Visiting Assistant Professor at Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Sanford is noted for his research and writing on healthcare disparity.
A trademark infringement lawsuit filed by the Homer Phillips Nurses Alumni, Inc.® challenges St. Louis-based developer Paul McKee’s use of the name Homer G. Phillips for his 3-bed healthcare facility. He has opted to name the facility Homer G. Phillips Memorial Hospital. Celebrating 100 years of service, the legacy of this proud group of nurses is caught in the middle of this legal battle. A new trial date for the case in federal court is May 6, 2024.
Dr. Gerald Horne and Dr. Ezelle Sanford III are quite familiar with the history of the illustrious 600-bed Homer G. Phillips Hospital. Both have expressed their eagerness to join St. Louisans for this fundraiser on December 3, 2023, at the Missouri History Museum, AT&T Room from 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Change the Name Coalition is an organization that supports the Homer G. Phillips Nurses Alumni, Inc® in the lawsuit to remove the name of Attorney Homer G. Phillips from the 3-bed facility in St. Louis, MO.
Dear Friend,
Were you born, treated, or know someone who received treatment at Homer G. Phillips Hospital? Despite the hospital’s closure on August 17, 1979, there is currently a legal fight over the use of the name of the esteemed lawyer and activist Homer G. Phillips.
We are writing to bring to your attention an illegal and unethical attack by developer Paul McKee against the Homer G. Phillips Nurses Alumni, Inc.®. This group of nurses dedicated their nursing careers to serving patients at the original Homer G. Phillips Hospital. Currently, they are fighting to retain their trademarked name. Unfortunately, since the nurses filed their lawsuit, several of the pioneering professionals have passed away. It is believed that Paul McKee is counting on the nurses passing away and not having the financial resources to fight this lawsuit. It is important to note that the average age of these nurses is 86 years old. The Homer G. Phillips Nurses Alumni, Inc.® celebrated its 101st anniversary this year.
The Homer G. Phillips Memorial Hospital, situated at Cass Ave. and Jefferson Ave. with only three beds, is far from the original hospital’s magnificence and pioneering achievements. The medical experts who served at the original hospital, consisting of 660 beds, are historical figures and have made remarkable contributions to medicine.
Preserving the name of Homer G. Phillips is crucial, especially given its significance in St. Louis and Black History. It is essential to acknowledge the contributions of African Americans, particularly at a time when their achievements are being suppressed, and books that tell the truth about Black history are being removed from classrooms and libraries in many states. We are confident that you understand how important it is to retain the name of Homer G. Phillips and its connection to the rich history of African Americans in this country.
Many others have contributed to our cause, but the legal expenses are outpacing our ability to pay the nurses’ legal fees. Please consider giving $5, $25, $50, $100, or whatever you can give today to help us keep Paul McKee from stealing the Homer G. Phillips Nurses Alumni, Inc.® name. Every single penny counts. You will receive a personal thank you from one of the Homer G. Phillips Nurses Alumni, Inc.®
Donating is easy. Click Here to make your much-needed financial contribution. Thank you for your generosity and for being a part of history to help the nurses remove the name of Homer G. Phillips from Paul McKee’s 3-bed hospital.
Sincerely,
Yvonne B. Jones, RN | President
Homer G. Phillips Nurses Alumni, Inc.®
P.O. Box 211452, St. Louis, MO 63121
