02/02/2026
Susie King Taylor is a name you should know. She's recognized as the first Black U.S. Army nurse during the Civil War and worked courageously alongside our founder, Clara Barton. Together, they cared for sick and wounded soldiers — work that helped lay the foundation for the American Red Cross.
Susie was also an educator and author, teaching children and adults how to read while supporting the military. After the war, she opened schools for African Americans in Georgia and became the first Black woman to publish a memoir about her experiences in the war.
As this February marks 100 years of commemorating Black history, we celebrate how Susie’s legacy, bravery and compassion continue to inspire and power our mission.
