Our Honoree
A native of South Carolina, Dr. John L. McGriff was a trailblazing general dentist in Portsmouth, Virginia. He established a pioneering dental practice that broke through racial barriers, with an impressive 60% of his patient base being non-African American. Beyond his medical career, Dr. McGriff was a passionate tennis player who has been credited with teaching and inspiring several tennis stars during the 1940s and 1950s.
Following his passing, the John McGriff Dental Society was established in 1953 to honor his legacy. Today, the organization continues to serve the community by delivering Thanksgiving baskets to deserving families and spearheading health fairs to educate the general public.
Our Honoree
A native of South Carolina, Dr. John L. McGriff was a trailblazing general dentist in Portsmouth, Virginia. He established a pioneering dental practice that broke through racial barriers, with an impressive 60% of his patient base being non-African American. Beyond his medical career, Dr. McGriff was a passionate tennis player who has been credited with teaching and inspiring several tennis stars during the 1940s and 1950s.
Following his passing, the John McGriff Dental Society was established in 1953 to honor his legacy. Today, the organization continues to serve the community by delivering Thanksgiving baskets to deserving families and spearheading health fairs to educate the general public.