02/20/2026
Mary Eliza Mahoney (1845–1926)
🩹 First professionally trained Black nurse in America
Mary Eliza Mahoney became the first African American registered nurse in 1879 and spent her life advocating for equality in nursing and quality patient care. She co‑founded what would become the National Black Nurses Association.
Her legacy lives on in every nurse who provides care with excellence, dignity, and dedication.