Celebrating African-American Nurses and Their Impact in the Nursing Field

Where would we be today without the tireless efforts of scores of nurses who bravely waged war against the pandemic? Rightfully declared true heroes for their sacrifices, dedication to patient care, and compassion, our nation owes a debt of gratitude to these unwavering healthcare professionals.

Throughout much of history, nurses stood in the shadows, garnering little limelight for their life-saving efforts. This February, as we celebrate Black History Month, we are reminded of the Black women who pioneered their way around and through the sentiments of their time to make a radical impact on the nursing profession. Their inspiring stories exemplify the spirit that continues to permeate the nursing profession, thanks in part to these women and others like them who pursued their dreams despite tremendous disadvantages.

• Harriet Tubman (1822-1913)

While most often remembered for her underground railroad that led more than 300 slaves to freedom, Tubman also served as a nurse during the American Civil War. Her extensive knowledge of natural remedies and herbal medicine successfully treated many soldiers suffering from smallpox and dysentery. In later years, she was instrumental in the launching of the Tubman Home for Aged and Indigent Negroes, at a time when other facilities only served the needs of white people.

• Mary Eliza Mahoney (1845-1926)

Because she refused to be deterred by the racially-prejudiced restrictions of her time, Mary Eliza Mahoney became the first registered black nurse in 1879. In 1908, she helped co-establish the National Association of Colored Graduate Nurses, further proving that African-American women could serve the profession with excellence. In recognition of her noteworthy achievements and contributions to nursing, the American Nurses Association (ANA) created the Mary Mahoney Award in 1936. It is given to nurses or groups of nurses who promote integration within their field. After her death, Mahoney was inducted into the ANA's Nursing Hall of Fame and the National Women's Hall of Fame.

• Estelle Massey Osborne (1901-1981)

Another warrior against racial prejudices in nursing, Estelle (Riddle) Osborne, became the first African-American to earn a master's degree in nursing education in 1931. Her career encompassed many prestigious positions, including educational director at Freedmen's Hospital (now Howard University Hospital) in Washington, D.C., the first Black director of nursing at Homer G. Phillips Hospital in St. Louis, and president of the National Association of Colored Graduate Nurses (NACGN). She was appointed as a consultant to the National Nursing Council for War Service.  

• Goldie D. Brangman (1920 –2020)

As part of the Harlem Hospital emergency surgical team that successfully performed emergency heart surgery on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. after a 1958 assassination attempt, Brangman was responsible for manually operating the breathing bag that kept King alive during surgery. She remained at Harlem Hospital and later served as director of the School of Anesthesia, receiving AANA's Outstanding Educator Award. She served as the first and only African American president of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) from 1973-74.

Hats off to the Black women who stood firm in the face of many obstacles to care for the sick and injured, paving the way for those who would follow in their footsteps. The nursing profession is stronger and more formidable because of our black heritage.