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On a sweltering summer day, dignitaries from the City of Washington, along with area residents, came to honor the legacy of Dr. Haywood Dowdy at the unveiling of the Heritage marker at the Dowdy home at 136 W. 6th Street. Alice Sadler, curator of the P.S. Jones Museum of African American Education, was instrumental in securing the grant from the W.G. Pomeroy Foundation, which provides fully funded grants for historic markers. “Several years ago, the museum partnered with the Human Relations Council to create the Freedom to Property Walking Trail to honor Black history in our city,” said Sadler. “It has been our longtime goal to place markers at all of the historic landmarks along the site. Today we gather to unveil the first of these markers, and to honor the life of Dr. Dowdy, or “Doc” as many of us used to call him.”

Washington native Dr. Melvin Wyche, a nationally renowned anesthesiologist, was a nephew of Dr. Dowdy. Due to a medical emergency, he was unable to attend, but passed along his remarks, as were read by Alice Sadler. “I extend my heartfelt thanks to those who organized this experience. Doc was one of my mother’s three brothers, and despite limited educational resources available to Blacks in the early 1900s, pursued and excelled in every opportunity afforded to him and went to dental school and returned to Washington, where he provided dental services for the next 50 years. Not only was he a dentist, but a Renaissance man. He was a consummate professional, a talented musician, a skilled athlete, a proud Mason and Shriner, a devoted church leader, a civic advocate, and a steadfast mentor to our family and others in the community. This dedication reminds us that greatness can rise from humble beginnings and that service, character, and excellence never go unnoticed. He was a man of all seasons. Gifted, disciplined, and endlessly generous with his wisdom and time. A man whose presence elevated every occasion. That was Doc.”

Added Mayor Sadler, “There are many points of interest that we pass daily that go unnoticed, because their stories have not been told,” said Sadler. I have lived here my entire life, and never knew of a marker being placed north of 3rd Street. This day is long overdue.”

In a written statement from William G. Pomeroy Foundation, its executive director, Bill Bowyer, had high praise for the city. “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the P.S. Jones Museum of African American Education, local partners, historians, volunteers, and dignitaries who made this dedication possible. I’m proud to celebrate this movement with you, knowing that this Hometown Heritage Marker at the site of the Dowdy home will truly stand as a lasting reminder of your local history for generations to come.”