February is Black History Month, a time to recognize the achievements, resilience, and lasting contributions of black leaders who have shaped our nation’s history. In healthcare, black nurses and nurse leaders have played a vital role in advancing patient care, professional standards, and equity within the nursing profession.
Throughout history, they have strengthened and transformed nursing while overcoming discrimination and systemic barriers. Their leadership and advocacy expanded access to education, professional opportunities, and quality care. At VNA of Florida, we honor these individuals whose work continues to influence nursing today.
Mary Seacole (1805-1881)
Mary Seacole was a Jamaican-born nurse who served during the 19th century and became known for her hands-on care of wounded soldiers. Because of her race and gender, she faced prejudice and was denied the opportunity to join official nursing groups traveling to the Crimean War. Determined to serve, she funded her own journey to the war front.
During the Crimean War from 1853 to 1856, Seacole established the “British Hotel” near the battlefield, where she provided food, supplies, and nursing care to sick and injured soldiers. She often traveled directly to the front lines to treat the wounded, using a combination of Western medical practices and natural remedies she learned growing up in Jamaica. She also recognized the importance of education and training in nursing, advocating for higher standards within the profession. Her dedication to service and innovation continues to inspire nurses around the world.
Harriet Tubman (1822-1913)
Harriet Tubman is widely known for her leadership on the Underground Railroad, guiding enslaved individuals to freedom. Less widely known is her service as a nurse. During the Civil War, Tubman worked with the Union Army, caring for sick and wounded black soldiers.
Her compassion, resilience, and medical support earned deep respect among those she served. She was later recognized by the United States government for her service. Tubman’s legacy reflects both her fight for freedom and her commitment to caring for others during times of crisis.
Mary Eliza Mahoney (1845-1926)
In 1879, Mary Eliza Mahoney became the first African American to earn a professional nursing license in the United States. She graduated from the New England Hospital for Women and Children after completing rigorous coursework and extensive clinical training.
At a time of widespread racial and gender discrimination, Mahoney remained steadfast in her pursuit of professional excellence. She became known for her skill, professionalism, and compassionate patient care. In 1908, she co-founded the National Association of Colored Graduate Nurses to combat racial discrimination in nursing and promote higher educational and professional standards. Her advocacy helped create pathways for black nurses nationwide.
Adah Belle Thoms (1870-1943)
Adah Belle Thoms was a dedicated nurse, educator, and leader who played a significant role in advancing professional nursing in the early twentieth century. A graduate of the Lincoln Hospital School of Nursing in New York, she later became director of its nursing program. In that role, she strengthened training standards and expanded educational opportunities for black nurses.
During World War I, Thoms advocated for the inclusion of black nurses in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps, pressing for equal opportunity to serve. She held key leadership positions within the National Association of Colored Graduate Nurses and worked tirelessly to address racial discrimination in healthcare. Her commitment to education and equity helped elevate professional standards within nursing.
Mabel Keaton Staupers (1890-1989)
Mabel Keaton Staupers was born in Barbados in 1890 and later moved to the United States. After graduating from Freedmen’s Hospital School of Nursing in Washington, D.C., she became a registered nurse in 1917 and joined the National Association of Colored Graduate Nurses.
As executive secretary of the organization from 1934 to 1948, Staupers led a national campaign to end the exclusion of black nurses from the U.S. Army Nurse Corps. She traveled across the country advocating for integration, meeting with members of Congress, military leaders, and national organizations. In 1945, the Army Nurse Corps began accepting black nurses, followed by the Navy in 1948.
In 1949, she became the first black nurse to serve on the board of the American Nurses Association, continuing her efforts to eliminate discrimination within the profession.
Dr. Bernadine Lacey (1932-2021)
Born in Vicksburg, Mississippi, in 1932, Bernadine Lacey grew up during segregation. From 1959 to 1962, she attended the Gilfoy School of Nursing at Mississippi Baptist Hospital in Jackson, where she was one of the few black students admitted and experienced discriminatory treatment.
She later earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Georgetown University, a master’s degree in sociology from Howard University, and a doctorate from Teachers College at Columbia University. Lacey became a founding faculty member and professor at Western Michigan University’s School of Nursing and co-founded Federal City Shelter in Washington, DC, one of the earliest nurse-managed clinics serving individuals experiencing homelessness.
Through her leadership in nursing education and community health, Lacey helped expand the role of nurses in caring for vulnerable populations and strengthened educational pathways for future nurses. Her contributions were nationally recognized when she was named a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing and honored by the organization for her lasting impact on the profession.
Dr. Ernest Grant (1958-present)
Dr. Ernest Grant is an internationally recognized nurse leader and burn care specialist. He earned his nursing degrees from North Carolina Central University, the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and East Carolina University.
Dr. Grant became the first black man elected president of the American Nurses Association. Throughout his career, he has advanced burn care practice, emergency nursing, and global health education. His leadership and advocacy continue to promote equity, professional development, and excellence within the nursing profession.
Continuing the Legacy
Black History Month offers an opportunity not only to reflect on the past, but to recognize how these leaders continue to influence healthcare today. Their commitment to education, advocacy, and compassionate care reshaped nursing into a stronger and more inclusive profession.
At VNA of Florida, we are proud to celebrate the legacy of black nurses who advanced the profession through courage, leadership, and service. Their impact continues to guide the future of nursing and the care we provide in our communities.
.png)