National Black Nurses Association, Chicago Chapter archives

Historical note

The Chicago Chapter National Black Nurses' Association evolved out of a desire by 6 Black nurses to establish an organization, to which Black nurses could, in an atmosphere of comradeship and sisterhood, implement strategies to effect change in the delivery of health care to minorities and provide a vehicle by which Black nurses could improve their competence. On September 29, 1973, the first formal meeting of the Chicago Chapter National Black Nurses Association was called by the 6 founders, Christine Leak, Kim Lindsey, Francis Ballard, Mary Allen, Mary McCune and Mary Gathing. Nurses Unlimited, an already established organization of Black nurses recognizing the possibilities of a National Organization, eventually merged with the Chicago Chapter National Black Nurses' Association. CCNBNA's mission is to provide a forum for collective action by nurses to investigate, define and advocate for the health care needs of African Americans and to implement strategies that ensure access to health care equal to, or above health care standards of the larger society.