Celebrating Black History Month at DUSON!

Duke University School of Nursing honors the first African American graduate nurse in the United States, Mary Eliza Mahoney (1845-1926). Born to freed slaves in Boston, Massachusetts; Mahoney was educated at the Phillips School in Boston and went on to complete the nursing program at the Training School of Nurses, New England Hospital for Women and Children in 1879. Not only was Mahoney one of the few graduates to successfully matriculate through the rigorous nursing requirements, but she was also the first African American to earn a professional nursing license in the United States. 

A passionate believer in equality in nursing, Mahoney spent much of her life working to challenge perceptions and abolish discrimination in the field. In 1908 she became co-founder of the National Association of Colored Graduate Nurses and in 1909 gave the address at their first conference. During her 40 years in nursing, she provided exemplary patient care and made outstanding contributions to nursing organizations.

Learn more about Mahoney's journey here and join us as we celebrate her in our nursing history!