Bessie Blount Griffin

Overview

Bessie Blount Griffin, born Bessie Virginia Griffin, was a remarkable woman whose life spanned nearly a century. She defied racial and physical barriers to become a multifaceted professional, making significant contributions as a nurse, physical therapist, inventor, writer, and forensic scientist. This timeline highlights key moments in her extraordinary journey, showcasing her resilience, ingenuity, and dedication to improving the lives of others.

Main Milestones

Birth in Hickory, Virginia

November 24, 1914

Bessie Virginia Griffin was born in Hickory, Virginia, a rural community. Her early life was marked by racial prejudice and limited opportunities, experiences that would later fuel her determination to overcome adversity and create a better world for herself and others.

Left-Hand Paralysis and Overcoming Obstacles

Early Childhood

As a child, Bessie experienced paralysis in her left hand. Instead of succumbing to this physical limitation, she taught herself to write and perform everyday tasks with her feet, demonstrating her incredible adaptability and strong will. This early experience shaped her understanding of physical limitations and her desire to help others with disabilities.

Facing Racial Segregation and Perseverance in Education

1920s-1930s

Growing up in the segregated South, Bessie faced significant challenges in accessing education. She persisted despite the obstacles, pursuing her studies and displaying a keen intellect. She was once told by a teacher that she had no intelligence, and she was forced to leave her high school in the eleventh grade because of her race. This experience was one of many that ignited her drive to excel and prove her worth.

Nursing and Physical Therapy Training

1940s

Bessie pursued training in nursing and physical therapy. Her firsthand experience with physical limitations, coupled with her compassion for others, made her a natural caregiver. She excelled in her studies and honed her skills in helping patients regain their independence and mobility.

Inventing the Self-Feeding Device

1951

While working as a physical therapist, Bessie Blount invented a self-feeding device for amputees and individuals with limited mobility. This invention allowed individuals to feed themselves without assistance, promoting independence and dignity. Although she sought investment for it, there was no interest as her target market was war veterans who the medical device industry felt were a limited customer base.

Working with Veterans

1950s

Bessie dedicated her talents to helping war veterans at the Bronx Veterans Administration Hospital. She saw firsthand the physical and emotional toll of war and developed innovative approaches to rehabilitation, using her ingenuity and compassion to improve their quality of life.

Studying Forensics and Questioned Document Examination

1969

At the age of 55, Bessie transitioned into a new field, studying forensics and questioned document examination. She became one of the few African American women in this profession, breaking barriers and demonstrating her diverse skills.

Working as a Forensic Scientist for Law Enforcement

1977-1992

Bessie worked for police departments in Norfolk, Virginia and Portsmouth, Virginia, as a forensic scientist. She examined questioned documents and handwriting to assist in criminal investigations, employing her analytical skills and meticulous attention to detail.

Author and Lecturer

1970s-2000s

Bessie became an author and public speaker, sharing her life story and encouraging others to overcome adversity. She wrote about her experiences with racism and disability, inspiring countless individuals to pursue their dreams and make a difference in the world. She also shared her expertise in forensic science with various audiences.

Death

December 30, 2009

Bessie Blount Griffin passed away at the age of 95, leaving behind a legacy of innovation, resilience, and dedication to serving others. Her life story continues to inspire individuals to challenge limitations, embrace diversity, and pursue their passions with unwavering determination. Her self-feeding device was rediscovered posthumously and hailed as groundbreaking.