“It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood. Would you be mine, could you be mine, won’t you be my neighbor?” A Mr. Rogers staple in his own right. 

Another staple is McKeesport’s Mrs. Joanne Rogers – not Fred Rogers’ wife, but a courageous nurse who happens to have the same name. She may be small, but her words packed a punch during our time together.

On a sunny July day, I had the honor of sitting on the porch of a beautiful brick home owned by Mrs. Rogers. As I got out of my car and approached a porch decorated with flowerpots, two white wicker chairs, and a stool, I noticed a tiny, poised older African American woman standing silhouetted behind the screen door. We exchanged pleasantries, then took our seats. Mrs. Rogers had been interviewed many times throughout her life, so there was no need to repeat old stories. Hoping to share her courageous acts with the community, I proceeded.

Mrs. Rogers grew up in Christy Park, McKeesport, during a time when Black Americans had limited rights and resources. Fortunately, she had access to a grand piano and was inspired by her admired aunt, a nurse. Excelling as a student and earning the National Honor Society Award reminded her of the importance of education, good grades, and college. 

She found opportunities to play piano in Sunday school, Baptist Training Union, and for Phyllis T. Garland, who used to perform in plays at the Civic Light Opera. She didn’t want to disappoint Ms. Garland or herself. Holding onto her admiration for her aunt, a nurse, she realized the piano was not her path and decided to pursue nursing instead. 

After completing her college education and setting her sights on a nursing career, she married her love, Mr. Rogers, a military officer. She traveled to Crete, Greece, with her husband during a time when poor sanitation was normal, but they appreciated the beauty of the mavros (Greek word for Black) and their surroundings.

Returning, she had a photo taken by Teenie Harris, a photographer for the Pittsburgh Courier. Joanne’s journey in healthcare led her to work with the Semper Fidelis Club, an organization supporting Black women and children in education and civil liberties.

But Joanne wasn’t done breaking barriers. Determined to care for children more deeply, she set her sights on becoming a school nurse, despite the systemic hurdles she knew she’d face. Despite difficulties in obtaining her certification, she found a way. Though she faced some unpleasant experiences, she became the first African American school nurse in the McKeesport Area School District. That alone was courageous. During her time as an elementary school nurse, she would often quote the beloved, world-famous Mr. Rogers: “I love you just the way you are.” When a student asked if she was married to Mr. Rogers, she chuckled and said, “Yes.” 

Working with older students proved more challenging; her strategy was to encourage critical thinking and independent decision-making. But she faced other obstacles, too. In emergency rescues involving heart attacks, diabetes, and more, she found that the administration lacked confidence in her because of her race. Instead of asking medical questions, they would call an ambulance and follow protocol rather than her nursing plan of action. She became a firm advocate for her patients, with both the school and parents. For example, when she had to advocate for a football player who was not taken to the hospital after a concussion, she reached out to his parents, but they sided with the school district. Even in her later years working at the school, things changed, but I sensed she suffered after retirement because her love and concern for children still ran deep. Seeing her acts of courage throughout her life is a contagious positivity that the community can embrace. She leaves behind a legacy for future school nurses with these words: “Be Yourself, Be Kind, You Took an Oath.”

“There is no normal life that is free of pain. It’s the very wrestling with our problems that can be the impetus for growth,” Fred Rogers said. So, take acts of courage on your journey—you never know how many lives you may change by being brave. 

–By Yasmin Brown