Joycelyn Elders

Joycelyn Elders is an American pediatrician and public health advocate who served as the 15th Surgeon General of the United States from 1993 to 1994. As the first African American and the second woman to hold the position, Elders is known for her outspoken views on issues such as sex education, drug policy, and health equity. Throughout her career, she has been a strong proponent of comprehensive health care access and has worked tirelessly to address health disparities in marginalized communities. Her tenure as Surgeon General was marked by controversy, particularly regarding her advocacy for adolescent sexual health education, which has continued to resonate in public health discussions.