Dr. Edward R. Dudley (1882-1952) was the first Black dentist in Roanoke. He was born on September 4, 1882, in New Bern, North Carolina. He moved to Roanoke in 1911 and opened a dental practice at 29 Gilmer Avenue, NW, in the Cosmopolitan Building.
Dr. Dudley was involved with the Interstate Dental Association, the Old Dominion Dental Association, and the Magic City Medical Society. Later in his life, he served as a probation officer for the City of Roanoke.
Dr. Dudley lived at 405 Gilmer Avenue, NW, and worked as a dentist for more than 40 years until his death in 1952. He was the father of Edward R. Dudley, the first African American ambassador of the United States.
Sources
Crawford, E. L. (1924, July 19). ‘Find them,’ slogan of dentists’ meet. The Pittsburgh Courier, ProQuest.
Groups protest failure of mayor to re-call Delany. (1955, Sept. 24). New Journal and Guide, ProQuest.
Roanoke, Va. (1925, Apr. 25). The Pittsburgh Courier, ProQuest.
Wagner hits Delaney’s views, appoints Dudley. (1955, Sept. 28). Atlanta Daily World, ProQuest.