National Black Nurses Association, Inc.

20/02/2026

Happy Black History Month, we proudly honor Ophelia Long, the 4th President of the National Black Nurses Association.

With a distinguished career spanning clinical practice, executive leadership, healthcare administration, and national policy advocacy, Ms. Long exemplifies the power of nurse leadership at every level.

From 27 years at Kaiser Permanente to serving as CEO of Alameda County Medical Center, Vice President of Meharry Medical College, and National Chair of the Black Congress on Health, Law, and Economics, her impact reaches across healthcare systems and communities nationwide.

Her legacy reflects strength, vision, and unwavering commitment to advancing health equity.

20/02/2026

Congratulations to our NBNA members selected as Brain Health Equity Nurse Fellows!

Brain Health Equity Fellows will be equipped with specialized training and leadership tools to advance brain health awareness and promote health equity in communities disproportionately affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

The fellowship is a national program developed in partnership with UsAgainstAlzheimer’s and the National Association of Hispanic Nurses to empower nurses as champions of brain health equity.

We’re honored to see our members leading the way and shaping healthier futures and advocating for brain health equity.

Congratulations to the 2026 NBNA Brain Health Equity Fellows:
- Monica J. Harmon, MSN, MPH, RN
- Kulicia R. Hubbard, BSN, RN, CMCN
- Anny Jenkins, MSN, BSN
- Paule V. Joseph, PhD, MBA, MS, FNP-BC, CTN-B, FAAN
- Jessica Jacobs Hooks, MA, BS
- LaToya Lewis, EdD-CI, MSN, RN
- Anthony Young, DNP, APRN, AGPCNP-BC, CPHQ
- Yolanda V. Green, MSN, RN

Read full press release: Link in bio.

20/02/2026

Congratulations to our NBNA members selected as Brain Health Equity Nurse Fellows!

Brain Health Equity Fellows will be equipped with specialized training and leadership tools to advance brain health awareness and promote health equity in communities disproportionately affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

The fellowship is a national program developed in partnership with UsAgainstAlzheimer’s and the National Association of Hispanic Nurses to empower nurses as champions of brain health equity.

We’re honored to see our members leading the way and shaping healthier futures and advocating for brain health equity.

Congratulations to the 2026 NBNA Brain Health Equity Fellows:

- Monica J. Harmon, MSN, MPH, RN
- Kulicia R. Hubbard, BSN, RN, CMCN
- Anny Jenkins, MSN, BSN
- Paule V. Joseph, PhD, MBA, MS, FNP-BC, CTN-B, FAAN
- Jessica Jacobs Hooks, MA, BS
- LaToya Lewis, EdD-CI, MSN, RN
- Anthony Young, DNP, APRN, AGPCNP-BC, CPHQ
- Yolanda V. Green, MSN, RN

Read full press release: https://nbna.org/national-black-nurses-association-celebrates-nbna-members-selected-as-brain-health-equity-nurse-fellows-in-partnership-with-usagainstalzheimers-and-nahn/

Download PDF

19/02/2026

As we celebrate Black History Month, we proudly honor E. Lorraine Baugh, the 3rd President of the National Black Nurses Association and a co-founder whose leadership helped shape the foundation of our organization.

Dr. Baugh’s commitment to excellence in nursing education, governance, and service strengthened NBNA during its formative years and helped build the structure that continues to support Black nurses nationwide.

Her legacy reflects vision, integrity, and stewardship, values that continue to guide NBNA today.

18/02/2026

This Black History Month, we proudly honor Dr. Carrie Frazier Brown, NBNA’s 2nd Past President, a visionary leader, educator, and trailblazer.

From serving as a Captain in the U.S. Army and later as Detroit’s Health Commissioner, Dr. Brown’s legacy reflects excellence, courage, and unwavering commitment to advancing nursing and health equity. Her impact continues to inspire generations of nurses across the nation.

As we celebrate our history, we also recommit to advancing our future, standing on the shoulders of leaders like Dr. Brown who paved the way.

Honoring Our Legacy. Advancing Our Future.

17/02/2026

The National Black Nurses Association honors the life and legacy of Jesse L. Jackson, a civil rights icon whose advocacy for justice and equity extended deeply into healthcare and the advancement of Black nurses.

During NBNA’s formative years, Rev. Jackson stood alongside our leadership at Black Nurses Day on Capitol Hill, helping elevate the voices of Black nurses in national policy conversations. He understood that nurses are not only caregivers, but powerful advocates for justice in healthcare. His presence brought national visibility and moral authority to our mission at a pivotal time in our history.

His legacy continues through leaders like his son, Rep. Jonathan Jackson, who has maintained a strong partnership with NBNA and our annual Capitol Hill advocacy efforts.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Jackson family and to all who were inspired by his enduring commitment to justice.

Full Press Release: https://nbna.org/the-national-black-nurses-association-inc-honors-the-life-and-legacy-of-rev-jesse-l-jackson/

17/02/2026

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Rev. Jesse Jackson and his family during this time of profound loss.🕊

Rev. Jackson has been a steadfast champion for civil rights, justice, equity, and a great supporter of NBNA throughout our history. He graciously made appearances at several of our early national conferences, standing alongside Black nurses and affirming the critical role we play in advancing health equity and social justice in our communities. His presence and words of encouragement helped strengthen our resolve and elevate our mission during pivotal moments in our organization’s growth.

As a movement leader whose life’s work has been rooted in advocacy and empowerment, Rev. Jackson’s unwavering commitment to justice continues to inspire nurses and leaders across the nation.

We hold Rev. Jackson and his family in our prayers and extend our deepest sympathy.

With deep gratitude and solidarity,
The National Black Nurses Association

13/02/2026

This Black History Month, the National Black Nurses Association proudly honors Dr. Lauranne Sams, Founder and 1st President of NBNA (1971–1977).

A visionary leader and nursing educator, Dr. Sams helped lay the foundation for a national movement dedicated to equity, excellence, and opportunity for Black nurses across the country. Her leadership continues to inspire generations of nurses who lead with purpose and serve with impact.

As we celebrate her legacy, we recommit ourselves to advancing the future of nursing through advocacy, education, and health equity. ✨🩺

12/02/2026

This Black History Month, we proudly celebrate the legacy of Mary Eliza Mahoney, the first Black professional nurse and a trailblazer whose courage reshaped the future of nursing. 🩺✨

Her words challenge us still:
"Work more and better the coming year than the previous year."

At NBNA, we continue building power, advancing equity, and leading change.

Honoring Our Legacy. Advancing Our Future.

05/02/2026

🎥 38th Annual Black Nurses Day on Capitol Hill Has Officially Begun 🖤🩺

Today, members of the National Black Nurses Association from across the nation are arriving on Capitol Hill for the 38th Annual Black Nurses Day on Capitol Hill.

From seasoned nurse leaders to students preparing to enter the profession, Black nurses are gathering with one unified purpose — to advocate for the health, safety, and equity of the communities we serve.

This day represents the power of nursing beyond the bedside. Our voices are critical in shaping policy around:

• Nursing workforce development & diversity
• Mental health equity
• Black maternal health
• Gun violence as a public health crisis
• AI integration & healthcare safety
• Environmental health equity
• Governmental policies impacting care delivery

As our members arrive, the energy, excellence, and commitment to advocacy is already undeniable.

📍 Washington, DC
🖤 Advocacy in action
🩺 Policy through the nursing lens

BlackNursesLead NursingWorkforce PolicyAndPractice

05/02/2026

Watch our 38th Annual Black Nurses Day on Capitol Hill

29/01/2026

We’re excited to share that NBNA Executive Director Tonya Jackson was invited by her AKA sorors and NBC4 Washington news anchors Molette Green and Jummy Olabanji to spotlight NBNA’s 38th Annual Black Nurses Day on Capitol Hill.🏛️🩺

She was joined by Janice Johnson, President of the Black Nurses Association of the Greater Washington, DC Area, as they helped amplify the importance of nurse advocacy and health equity through policy.
From the newsroom to Capitol Hill, Black nurses continue to elevate our voices, leadership, and impact.