On behalf of the Organization for Associate Degree Nursing (OADN), I consider it both an honor and a privilege, during one of my favorite months of the year, to recognize the contributions of key Black figures in nursing on whose shoulders I, and many others, stand as agents for Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) Education and Practice. One month will never be enough to acknowledge the contributions of Black people to American history, nor could it ever fully capture the impact of Black nurses on our most noble profession, one that has been incredibly kind to me and without which I would not be who I am today.
As we celebrate this Black History Month, we cannot ignore the escalating challenges facing efforts to build and sustain a strong, inclusive nursing community. Nevertheless, while perspectives may vary, OADN’s commitment to preparing nurses to become global citizens remains steadfast. I am, therefore, honored to pay tribute to the trailblazers of our past, present, and future.
Honoring the Past: Trailblazers Who Opened the Doors
As we reflect on the past, we honor legendary figures such as Mary Eliza Mahoney, the first professionally trained and licensed Black nurse, and quite possibly the first to obtain the equivalent of what we now call the Associate Degree in Nursing. We also pay tribute to Black nursing pioneers whose contributions laid the foundation for equitable access to nursing education (in no particular order):
• Estelle Massey Osborne (1901–1981) – The first Black nurse to earn a master’s degree in nursing, she worked to expand nursing education at community and technical colleges, paving the way for ADN programs.
• Dr. Lauranne Sams (1930–2007) – First Black president of the National Black Nurses Association (NBNA), championed ADN programs as a critical pathway for Black nurses to enter the profession.
• Dr. Beverly Malone (Born 1948) – Former American Nurses Association (ANA) president and current CEO of the National League for Nursing (NLN), she has been a leading advocate for ADN programs and diversity in nursing education.
• Hattie Bessent (1918–2015) – Pioneered mentorship programs for Black nurses, supporting ADN graduates transitioning into leadership roles.
• Mabel Keaton Staupers (1890–1989) – Advocated for integrating Black nurses into the U.S. military and fought for equal opportunities, setting the stage for nursing education reforms that later supported ADN expansion.
• Betty Smith Williams (1929–2021) – Co-founder of the National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) and a strong advocate for community college-based ADN programs as a way to increase Black representation in nursing.
• Eddie Bernice Johnson (1935–2023) – The first registered nurse elected to Congress, she championed nursing education funding and supported community college pathways into nursing.
• Ernest J. Grant (Born 1958) – A trailblazing leader, he made history as the first Black male president of the ANA (2018–2023), advocating for health equity and diversity in nursing leadership. His presidency marked a pivotal moment for Black nurses and men in nursing, furthering the ANA’s commitment to racial justice and workforce inclusion.
These figures were instrumental in breaking barriers, advocating for equitable nursing education, and increasing accessibility, all with the mission and values of Associate Degree Nursing today.
The Present: Black Nurses Shaping the Profession Today
As we celebrate the present, we recognize Black nurses who are actively shaping the profession and making history in real-time (in no particular order):
• Paule Valery – An Afro-Latina (Venezuelan-Haitian-American) distinguished nurse scientist and researcher in sensory science, whose groundbreaking work is expanding the frontiers of healthcare research.
• Patrick McMurray – An emerging nurse scientist, a fierce advocate for the ADN entry to nursing pathway, and a proud ADN-prepared nurse representing the next generation of Black nurse leaders dedicated to advancing health research and policy.
• Danielle McCamey – Founder and CEO of DNPs of Color, she has created a powerful network of Black and Brown advanced practice nurses, amplifying the voices of underrepresented communities in nursing leadership.
• Dr. Anna María Valdez – A professor and Chair of Nursing at Sonoma State University in California, current editor-in-chief of the Journal of Emergency Medicine, past editor-in-chief of the OADN Journal, Teaching and Learning in Nursing, and a dedicated advocate for diversity in nursing. The daughter of a Black mother and a white father, she has contributed extensively to national discussions on health equity and anti-racism in nursing.
• Congresswoman Lauren Underwood – A registered nurse and the youngest Black woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, she co-founded and co-chairs the Black Maternal Health Caucus, advocating for policy changes that directly impact health equity, maternal health, and the future of nursing.
• Cori Bush – A registered nurse, pastor, activist, and the first Black woman elected to Congress from Missouri, she is a leading advocate for healthcare justice, racial equity, and policies that support nurses and marginalized communities.
• Dr. Monica McLemore – A distinguished nursing scientist and reproductive justice advocate, editor-in-chief of the Journal of Health Equity. She is a leading voice in addressing racial disparities in maternal and infant health, advancing evidence-based policies that improve healthcare outcomes for Black women and birthing people.
With too many trailblazers to mention, one thing is certain: their contributions ensure that nursing remains inclusive, innovative, and responsive to the needs of all communities.
The Future: Carrying the Torch Forward
The future of nursing will be shaped by those who continue to create opportunities for underserved and underrepresented populations. I am especially inspired by those I have the privilege to work alongside, including Dean Tammy Scott-Brand and Associate Dean Dr. Tanisha Rufus, who bring this mission to life every day at City Colleges of Chicago, Malcolm X College, in the heart of Chicago, Illinois. I am also honored to serve alongside my fellow OADN board member, Dr. Enna Trevathan, Dean of Nursing-Allied Health & Athletics-Kinesiology at Gavilan College in Gilroy, California, and President of the North Region of the California Organization of Associate Degree Nursing. Their work embodies the spirit of those who came before us, ensuring that the doors opened by our predecessors remain open for future generations.
Most of all, I honor my dear mother, a Haitian immigrant who came to this country, learned English, and pursued her dream of becoming a registered nurse at City Colleges of Chicago, Kennedy-King College. Her resilience and dedication shaped my path, and today, I have the distinct privilege of serving at her alma mater, City Colleges of Chicago, Malcolm X College, as Associate Dean of Nursing.
Continuing the Legacy
As we celebrate Black History Month, we honor the past, embrace the present, and look forward to the future with determination and hope. The contributions of Black nurses, past, present, and future, are immeasurable and invaluable. Their legacy lives on in every life they touch, every barrier they break, and every student they uplift.
Sincerely,
Patricia Nabal, DNP, FNP, RN-BC, OADN Board of Directors, Midwest Region