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black nursing history

Mary Eliza Mahoney

Born on May 7th, 1845 - January 4th, 1926. She was the first black woman to complete the nursing training and graduate in 1879. She was the first to be able to work as a professional nurse in the United States.

"cincinnati chapter"

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, and 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.