National Black Nurses Association, Inc.

03/05/2026

The National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) mourns the passing of Dr. Faye Gary, EdD, MS, RN, FAAN, a visionary nurse scholar, educator, and advocate whose work transformed nursing education and advanced health equity across the nation.

Dr. Gary was a lifetime member of the Cleveland Council of Black Nurses, an NBNA chapter, and a nationally respected leader in psychiatric and community health nursing. Throughout her remarkable career, she championed mental health equity, expanded educational opportunities, and mentored countless nurses who now serve as leaders in healthcare, academia, and public health.

Named a Living Legend by the American Academy of Nursing, Dr. Gary dedicated her life to scholarship, mentorship, and advocacy for communities often left at the margins of healthcare.

The National Black Nurses Association extends our deepest condolences to Dr. Gary’s family, colleagues, students, and members of the Cleveland Council of Black Nurses.

Her impact on the nursing profession will not be forgotten. 🕊️

Read full press release: https://nbna.org/national-black-nurses-association-mourns-the-passing-of-distinguished-nurse-leader-dr-faye-gary/

02/28/2026

This Black History Month, we proudly recognize Dr. Sheldon D. Fields, 14th President of the National Black Nurses Association.

A distinguished nurse scholar, health policy leader, and educator, Dr. Fields continues to advance equity, research, and leadership within the nursing profession. As the inaugural Associate Dean of Equity and Inclusion and Research Professor at Penn State University’s Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing, he remains at the forefront of shaping inclusive academic and clinical environments.

Dr. Fields exemplifies visionary leadership and an unwavering commitment to advancing nursing practice and health policy.

02/28/2026

This Black History Month, we proudly honor Dr. Martha A. Dawson, 13th President of the National Black Nurses Association.

A distinguished nurse leader, educator, and healthcare executive, Dr. Dawson has dedicated more than four decades to advancing nursing practice, strengthening health systems, and expanding workforce diversity. Her leadership in academia, hospital administration, and national initiatives has helped shape the future of nursing and improve outcomes in communities across the nation.

A Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing and a nationally recognized nurse executive, Dr. Dawson’s career reflects a deep commitment to excellence, advocacy, and transformative leadership.

02/28/2026

This Black History Month, we proudly recognize Dr. Eric J. Williams, 12th President of the National Black Nurses Association.

As NBNA’s first elected male president, Dr. Williams advanced transformative national initiatives in mentorship, global health, substance misuse prevention, and violence reduction. His leadership strengthened collaborative partnerships and expanded NBNA’s voice in advancing equity and innovation in nursing.

A Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing and a respected academic leader, Dr. Williams’ career reflects a steadfast commitment to excellence, inclusion, and preparing the next generation of nurse leaders.

02/27/2026

Happy Black History Month, we proudly honor Rev. Dr. Deidre Walton, 11th President of the National Black Nurses Association.

A distinguished nurse leader, retired Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army, attorney, healthcare executive, and faith leader, Rev. Dr. Walton exemplifies visionary leadership and lifelong service. From advancing nursing at the national level to shaping health policy and mentoring future leaders, her legacy continues to inspire the profession.

Her impact reflects the very essence of NBNA, strengthening our communities, elevating nursing leadership, and championing equity in healthcare.

02/27/2026

This Black History Month, we proudly honor Dr. Debra A. Toney, NBNA’s 10th President.

A trailblazer in healthcare administration and advocacy, Dr. Toney is the Founder of the Southern Nevada Black Nurses Association, a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing, and Co-Lead of the National Commission to Address Racism in Nursing. Her leadership reflects an unwavering commitment to equity, excellence, and advancing the profession.

As we celebrate Black History Month, we honor her legacy and the path she has paved for generations of nurses to lead with courage and purpose.

02/27/2026

This Black History Month, we proudly honor Dr. Bettye D. Lewis, NBNA’s 9th President.

Dr. Lewis’s distinguished career reflects excellence in scholarship, leadership, and service. From advancing nursing education to breaking barriers in national and international leadership spaces, her legacy stands as a testament to vision, perseverance, and commitment to equity in healthcare.

Her achievements exemplify the standard of excellence NBNA upholds. As we celebrate Black History Month, we remain inspired by Dr. Lewis, who paved the way and expanded opportunities for generations of nurses to follow.

02/26/2026

Final Call for Abstracts!

The countdown is on. Submit your abstract for the 54th Annual Institute & Conference in St. Louis.

Each year, this premier national conference convenes over 1,500 attendees, ranging from nursing students and early-career professionals to researchers, educators, advanced practice nurses, executives, and healthcare industry leaders. It is a dynamic space where innovation, scholarship, leadership, and health equity intersect.

This is your opportunity to present your work before a powerful, diverse audience shaping the future of nursing and healthcare nationwide.

Submit your abstract today: https://app.oxfordabstracts.com/auth?redirect=/stages/80121/submissions/new?behalf=false

NBNA annually hosts its Institute and Conference. Over 1,200 nurses and nursing students obtain state of the art clinical instruction on such subjects as cardiovascular disease, cancer, children’s health, diabetes, end of life, HIV/AID, kidney disease, research and women’s health.

02/26/2026

This Black History Month, we proudly honor Dr. Hilda Richards, NBNA’s 8th President.

From becoming the first Black graduate of St. John’s School of Nursing in 1956 to serving as the first Black Chancellor of Indiana University, Dr. Richards broke barriers throughout her distinguished career. Her leadership in psychiatric nursing, higher education, and public health helped shape more inclusive institutions and expand opportunities for generations to come.

Dr. Richards’ legacy reflects the very spirit of NBNA, advancing excellence, equity, and opportunity in nursing and healthcare.

02/25/2026

Honoring Our Legacy. Shaping Our Future.✨

The National Black Nurses Association (NBNA), alongside the National Medical Association, National Dental Association, and National Pharmaceutical Association, invites you to a powerful national interprofessional conversation centered on Black health professionals in America.

This timely dialogue will bring together leaders across medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and nursing to reflect on the legacy that built us and the collective responsibility we carry to shape what comes next.

As we continue advancing equity, leadership, and representation in healthcare, this conversation will highlight the power of collaboration across disciplines to strengthen our communities and future generations of Black health professionals.

Register now: https://nationalpharmaceuticalassociation.org/event-6572963

02/25/2026

This Black History Month, we honor the legacy of Dr. Betty Smith Williams, Co-Founder and 7th President of the National Black Nurses Association.

Dr. Betty Smith Williams helped establish a national voice for Black nurses at a time when representation, equity, and leadership opportunities were limited. Her vision strengthened the pathway for nurse leaders, expanded access to nursing education, and elevated the role of Black nurses in shaping healthcare policy and practice across the nation.

Because of her courage and commitment, generations of nurses have been empowered to lead with confidence, advocate with purpose, and serve with excellence.

02/24/2026

Happy Black History Month, we proudly honor Dr. Linda Burnes Bolton, the 6th President of the National Black Nurses Association.

Dr. Burnes Bolton’s extraordinary career has shaped nursing leadership, research, and health equity on a national scale. From her executive leadership at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center to her service with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Institute of Medicine’s Initiative on the Future of Nursing, her impact has transformed healthcare systems and strengthened the nursing profession.

Recognized as a Living Nursing Legend by the American Nurses Association, and recipient of lifetime achievement honors from NBNA and AONL, Dr. Burnes Bolton’s legacy continues to inspire excellence and innovation.