02/21/2026
Black History Month is a time to recognize the leaders who strengthened nursing in Tennessee long before the doors of opportunity were fully open.
From the courage of Black nurses who served their communities during segregation, to those who stood alongside the Civil Rights Movement that reshaped our state, their commitment to care and justice helped move Tennessee forward. Health equity, access to care, and professional advancement did not just happen. It was built through perseverance, advocacy, and service.
In addition, Tennessee’s HBCUs continue that legacy today. Tennessee State University in Nashville and LeMoyne-Owen College in Memphis have long played important roles in educating and empowering future health professionals, expanding opportunity, and strengthening communities.
Black nurses in Tennessee have shaped patient care, education, policy, and leadership for generations. And their influence continues to guide the future of our profession.
This month, we honor their history, celebrate their leadership, and reaffirm our commitment to a nursing profession that reflects and serves every community in Tennessee.