By Ashlee Banks
Special to the AFRO
The National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) convened its 37th Annual Black Nurses Day on Capitol Hill at the Capitol Hilton in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 6. This year’s theme, “Reimagining Health Equity: Addressing Ongoing Threats to America’s Well-being,” highlighted the essential role of Black nurses in championing policies that promote equitable healthcare access and outcomes. The event served as a crucial platform for discussing systemic healthcare disparities and the urgent need for reform, reinforcing the NBNA’s commitment to advocacy and policy change.
Bringing together over 300 nurses, nursing students and healthcare advocates from across the country, the event featured in-depth discussions and workshops focused on some of the most pressing health challenges facing Black communities today. Key topics included the growing influence of artificial intelligence in healthcare, economic stability as a determinant of health, the far-reaching effects of climate change on public health, and the disproportionately high rates of Black maternal mortality. These discussions aimed to provide attendees with not only knowledge but also actionable strategies for influencing healthcare policies at both state and federal levels.
One of the most impactful moments of the day was the opportunity for attendees to meet with members of Congress and their staff. These meetings allowed Black nurses to share their firsthand experiences, offering valuable insights into the systemic inequities they witness daily. By fostering direct conversations with lawmakers, the NBNA continued its longstanding tradition—dating back to 1988—of ensuring that Black nurses have a voice in shaping healthcare policies that directly affect their communities.
Beyond policy discussions, the event also provided a valuable networking space for Black nursing professionals and allies committed to health equity. The gathering allowed attendees to exchange ideas, strengthen professional connections and build a collective vision for the future of healthcare advocacy.
Tonya Jackson, executive director of NBNA, emphasized the importance of legislative protections for healthcare workers, particularly during periods of racial injustice and public health crises.
“I was with a large nationwide organization during the Covid pandemic, and we had a lot of frontline staff in marginalized communities. It increased the burden on healthcare professionals because there were not a lot of resources out there,” said Jackson.
She further reflected on the emotional toll the pandemic took on healthcare workers, particularly as it coincided with heightened racial tensions in the country. “George Floyd and Breonna Taylor happened during that time. There were a lot of protests that heightened the systemic awareness of racism, [and] healthcare workers had to navigate the crisis,” she added.
Dr. Sheldon Fields, president of NBNA, discussed how the association worked to support Black nurses during the pandemic by securing funding for wellness initiatives.
“We had one of our corporate sponsors give us resources to set up a self-care program for the nurses,” said Fields. “We had a comedian do a virtual show. We had virtual dance parties.”
Additionally, NBNA used funding to establish a hotline where nurses could receive one-on-one counseling, as well as a small grant program that helped cover expenses like childcare to ease daily stressors.
Fields also noted that 2020 saw an influx of donations from individuals and organizations wanting to support Black nurses. Some contributions were made in honor of Breonna Taylor, who had aspired to become a nurse. Taylor was a 26-year-old Black woman and emergency room technician in Louisville, Ky., who was fatally shot by police during a botched raid on her apartment in March 2020, sparking nationwide protests against racial injustice and police brutality.
“There were donations that came in supporting Breonna Taylor’s legacy. She was in healthcare and she aspired to become a nurse,” said Fields. “We set up a scholarship fund and posthumously made her a member of NBNA. We invited her family to a subsequent conference to [welcome them].”
According to Fields and Jackson, the NBNA plans to continue to advocate for systemic change and amplify the voices of Black nurses to ensure their concerns are heard at the highest levels of government. Their aim is to address critical health disparities, foster professional solidarity and improve the well-being of Black communities nationwide.
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