Home - National Black Nurses Association : The premier voice for Black Nurses (original) (raw)

To serve as the voice for Black nurses and diverse populations ensuring equal access to professional development, promoting educational opportunities and improving health.

The Civil Rights Movement was cultivated by Black Americans and served as the impetus that moved Blacks from all professions and walks of life to action. Black Nurses also answered the call.

The National Black Nurses Association was founded at a meeting in Cleveland, Ohio, to place black nurses in the mainstream of professional nurses. The meeting was attended by nurses from across the nation including but not limited to Dr. Lauranne Sams, Betty Smith Williams, Gertrude Baker, and Dr. Mary Harper.

In Dr. Lauranne Sams first address as president of NBNA, Dr. Sams responded to the question of “Why a Black Nurses Association” with ““No, I am speaking about all the past deficits and discriminatory practice which have continuously disgraced and limited the full potential, the development, the selfhood, and the self determination of Black folk. I am speaking about today, Here and Now,” (Carnegie & ANA racial reckoning website).