Dr. Fulton's Influence
Conference reception circa 1970. Courtesy of The New York Public Library
Dick Gregory said, I don't know anybody other than Elijah Muhammed, the head of the Nation of Islam, that had the ear of African American, like Dr. Alvenia Fulton (1893 to 1999). She had it beginning in Chicago and then her influence expanded nationally reaching white folk in the naturopathy movement invited her to speak at their meetings, conferences, and conventions. Historically, conventions like the ones that Fulton attended during her career had served as the primary way naturopaths came together to share new research, publications, treatments, and products, and welcome newcomers into their ranks and networks. Like other conventions, they featured speakers and exhibitions halls with equipment and product demonstrations, book displays, and food and supplement samples.
