Dr. Von Delaney Mizell was both a groundbreaking physician and a steadfast champion for civil rights in Broward County, Florida. Born in 1910 to Isadore S. Mizell and Minnie (Moore) Mizell, he pursued his education at Morehouse College in Atlanta before returning to his hometown of Fort Lauderdale. In doing so, he became the county’s second African American doctor—a milestone that would mark the beginning of a lifetime of service to his community.
Confronted with the severe lack of medical resources for Black residents under segregation, Dr. Mizell took decisive action. In 1938, he joined forces with fellow physician Dr. James Sistrunk and community advocate Leola Collins to establish Provident Hospital—the first hospital in Broward County dedicated to serving African Americans. This modest but vital 12-bed facility provided essential care at a time when Black residents were routinely denied access to white hospitals, saving lives and affirming dignity in the face of discrimination.
Dr. Mizell’s influence extended far beyond medicine. Recognizing the urgent need for organized advocacy, he founded South Florida’s first chapter of the NAACP, helping to shape the region’s civil rights movement. He spoke out against systemic injustices in education, challenging the discriminatory “split-year” school schedule that forced Black children to miss classroom time to work in agricultural fields. He also became a central figure in the fight to desegregate public beaches, leading efforts that achieved full integration of Broward County’s beaches in 1962—a pivotal step toward dismantling racial barriers in public life.
His legacy is woven into the fabric of Broward County. The site of the former Provident Hospital now serves the community as the Von D. Mizell Community Center. In 2016, his leadership and partnership with fellow activist Eula Johnson were further honored when John U. Lloyd Beach State Park was renamed the Dr. Von D. Mizell–Eula Johnson State Park, ensuring that their shared commitment to justice is remembered by future generations.
Dr. Von D. Mizell’s life stands as a powerful testament to courage, compassion, and unwavering dedication. Through his dual roles as healer and activist, he transformed healthcare access, advanced civil rights, and left an enduring mark on Florida’s history—an impact that continues to inspire today.
