The Role of Black Nurses in American History: Healing Through Resistance

When people think about civil rights and social justice movements, they often picture activists marching in the streets. But there’s another group of unsung heroes who fought for justice in a different way—Black nurses.

From the days of slavery to modern healthcare, Black nurses have been on the front lines—saving lives, breaking racial barriers, and fighting for equal access to medical care.

Despite facing discrimination, exclusion, and limited opportunities, they played a critical role in shaping American healthcare and advancing racial justice.

Black Nurses Before the Civil War: Healing Under Oppression

Before the establishment of formal nursing programs, Black women served as caregivers in enslaved communities—often acting as midwives, healers, and herbalists.

👩🏾‍⚕️ Enslaved women cared for both Black and white patients, though they were often forced into these roles without recognition.

🌿 They used traditional African healing practices to treat illnesses when white doctors refused to care for enslaved people.

💪🏾 During slave rebellions and escapes, Black nurses provided medical aid to those seeking freedom.

Though they were denied medical education and professional titles, these early healers laid the foundation for generations of Black nurses to come.

Breaking Barriers: The First Black Nurses in America

As slavery ended and segregation took hold, Black women fought for their place in the nursing profession—often against intense racial discrimination.

🏥 Mary Eliza Mahoney (1845-1926) – In 1879, she became the first Black woman to earn a professional nursing license, paving the way for thousands to follow.

🏥 Harriet Tubman (1822-1913) – After escaping slavery, she worked as a nurse during the Civil War, treating wounded soldiers and newly freed Black Americans.

🏥 Susie King Taylor (1848-1912) – A formerly enslaved woman who became the first Black Army nurse, caring for Black Union soldiers during the Civil War.

These women weren’t just caregivers—they were activists, educators, and pioneers in a field that tried to shut them out.

The Fight for Inclusion: Black Nurses in Segregated America

By the early 1900s, the nursing profession was growing—but Black women were systematically excluded from white hospitals, medical schools, and professional organizations.

❌ White-only nursing schools refused Black applicants.

❌ Black nurses were banned from working in most hospitals.

❌ The American Nurses Association (ANA) excluded Black members until the 1940s.

In response, Black nurses created their own schools, hospitals, and organizations to train and uplift the next generation.

🌟 The National Association of Colored Graduate Nurses (NACGN) – Founded in 1908, this organization fought for racial equality in nursing and helped Black nurses gain professional recognition.

World War II: When America Needed Black Nurses But Still Discriminated Against Them

During World War II, the U.S. faced a severe shortage of nurses—yet the military initially refused to accept Black nurses.

✊🏾 Pressure from civil rights activists forced the Army Nurse Corps and Navy to finally admit Black nurses—but only in limited numbers.

💉 Black nurses were often assigned to care for German POWs before they were allowed to treat Black American soldiers.

🏥 Even in wartime, racism shaped healthcare—but Black nurses still served with honor and resilience.

The Civil Rights Era: Black Nurses as Activists

By the 1950s and 60s, Black nurses were not just caregivers—they were activists fighting for racial justice in healthcare.

🏛️ They played key roles in desegregating hospitals, advocating for equal treatment of Black patients.✊🏾 Many marched alongside civil rights leaders, pushing for healthcare as a human right.

💪🏾 They fought against racist medical practices, including forced sterilization of Black women.

Their work helped pave the way for modern healthcare policies that promote equity and inclusion.

Black Nurses Today: The Fight Continues

Though the barriers of the past have weakened, Black nurses still face challenges today:

🔹 Racial bias in healthcare leads to Black patients being undertreated and ignored.

🔹 Black nurses remain underrepresented in leadership positions.

🔹 The racial wealth gap affects access to medical education for many aspiring Black nurses.

Despite these challenges, Black nurses continue to lead, innovate, and advocate for better healthcare for all.

Honoring Black Nurses: A Legacy of Healing & Resistance

From enslaved healers to modern-day frontline workers, Black nurses have been a vital force in American healthcare.

💉 They fought for recognition when the system excluded them.

💉 They cared for soldiers and civilians through war, segregation, and pandemics.

💉 They continue to be champions of health justice today.

Their contributions deserve to be remembered, honored, and celebrated—because Black nurses didn’t just care for patients—they changed the world.

💬 Let’s Talk:

Did you know about the history of Black nurses in America? How do you think we can continue to honor their contributions? Drop your thoughts in the comments!