02/27/2026
History is made by those who refuse to accept the status quo.
Mary Eliza Mahoney made history as the first African American nurse in the United States to receive professional training. She graduated in 1879, and dedicated her career to both high-quality care and advancing equity in the medical field.
She understood that the nursing profession needed to represent the diverse communities it served. This belief led her to cofound the National Association of Colored Graduate Nurses, creating a vital support system for minority nurses. The association later became part of the American Nurses Association, further amplifying its mission and impact.
Her work established a standard of excellence and opened doors that continue to shape healthcare today. We recognize her profound contributions and the path she cleared for today's nursing workforce.
Join us in honoring her lasting impact on the profession.
