Black History Month in Healthcare: The Legacy of Black Nurses

February 2026 marks 100 years since the first celebration of Black History in the United States. What began as a week-long effort to bring Black history into American schools has grown into a month-long recognition of the achievements, resilience, and enduring impact of Black Americans, including those whose work has shaped healthcare across the nation.

Among these trailblazers are Black nurses, whose dedication and advocacy have been essential to patient care, public health, and equality in the U.S. healthcare system. The impact of their contributions continues to shape healthcare today and will influence generations of nurses and patients to come.

Honoring the Legacy of Black Nurses

For over a century, Black nurses have advanced healthcare in the United States, often while facing systemic barriers to education, employment, and leadership. The following individuals represent just a fraction of the nurses whose work has had a lasting impact on patient care, public health, and professional advocacy.

Mary Eliza Mahoney

Mary Eliza Mahoney was the first African American professional nurse in the United States, graduating in 1879 at a time when formal nursing education was largely inaccessible to Black Americans. She co-founded the National Association of Colored Graduate Nurses to advocate for professional standards and racial equality within the field. Mahoney’s work laid the groundwork for future generations of Black nurses to enter and advance within the profession.

Captain Mary L. Petty

Captain Mary L. Petty was the first Black nurse to hold the rank of Captain in the U.S. Navy Nurse Corps. She broke barriers in military nursing, demonstrating leadership, professionalism, and dedication at a time when opportunities for Black nurses in the armed forces were extremely limited. Her career helped pave the way for future generations of Black nurses in military and civilian leadership roles.

Mabel Keaton Staupers

Mabel Keaton Staupers, an immigrant from Barbados, was a leading advocate for racial equity in nursing. As executive secretary of the National Association of Colored Graduate Nurses, she played a central role in the successful integration of Black nurses into the U.S. military during World War II. Her advocacy expanded professional opportunities for Black nurses and challenged long-standing segregation in healthcare employment.

Mary Elizabeth Carnegie

Mary Elizabeth Carnegie was the first Black nurse to serve on the board of a state nursing association. Beyond her leadership roles, she documented the history of Black nurses in the United States, ensuring their contributions were preserved and recognized. Her work strengthened nursing education and elevated the visibility of Black nurses within the profession.

Beverly Malone

Dr. Beverly Malone is a trailblazing nurse leader, former ANA President and Deputy Assistant Secretary for Health, and CEO of the National League for Nursing. A global leader and advocate for diversity, she has earned multiple honors, including the National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) Lifetime Achievement Award. Her career extends beyond the U.S.; she served as General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) in the U.K. and is an Honorary Member of the Philippine Nurses Association of America.

Ernest J. Grant

Dr. Ernest J. Grant, the first male president of the American Nurses Association, is an internationally recognized burn-care expert, fire safety educator, and public health advocate. Named Nurse of the Year for treating 9/11 survivors, he mentors the next generation of nurse leaders, champions vaccine awareness, and exemplifies the critical contributions of Black nurses in healthcare, emergency response, and leadership.

The Ongoing Impact of Black Nurses

Black nurses remain essential to the U.S. healthcare system, not only for their clinical expertise but also for the critical role they play in advocacy and representation. Research shows that patients often experience better outcomes when cared for by clinicians who understand their cultural background, communicate effectively, and can address specific health needs. For Black communities, who are historically underserved and disproportionately affected by chronic disease, maternal mortality, and systemic barriers to care, the presence of Black nurses helps build patient trust and ensure equitable care.

While progress has been made, Black nurses remain underrepresented in the workforce compared with the communities they serve, and opportunities in leadership, pay, and advanced education are not yet equal. These realities highlight the need to nurture leadership, amplify voices, and create opportunities for Black nurses.

In facing these ongoing challenges, Black nurses continue to lead, innovate, and inspire. From public health initiatives to specialized care, from mentorship programs to policy leadership, they are shaping the profession for future generations. Their contributions show that representation is a catalyst for better care, greater equity, and strengthened healthcare.