BNAGC HISTORY

MARY ELIZA MAHONEY

May 7th, 1845 - January 4th, 1926

Mary Eliza Mahoney was the first Black woman to complete the nursing training and graduate in 1879. She was also the first Black woman to be able to work as a professional nurse in the United States. 

In June 1972, six Black nurses met to discuss frustration of employment in the Cincinnati, Ohio job market. 

The founding members were: 

Pearl W. Smith, RN

Dorothy Bowen, LPN

Velma Givens, RN

Deloris Bowen, RN

Norman Brown, RN

Maratha Bell, LPN

The goal of the nurses was to mentor and support colleagues, increase & expand job opportunities, to have equitable education

and to have input into the quality of care for clients

in the Black community. 

May 9th, 1973: Black Nurses Association of Greater Cincinnati, Inc. with ten charter members was incorporated.