February is a time to celebrate the contribution of Black culture has had throughout history to today. We at HIGN want to celebrate some of the Black leaders who have had a profound impact on geriatrics, gerontology and nursing.

Jacquelyne Johnson-Jackson was a pioneer in linking the relationship between aging and the experiences Black older adults face. She strongly advocated for providing resources to meet the unique needs of older adults in the Black community. She is a founder of the National Caucus and Center on Black Aging that continues to advocate for this community.

Vernice Ferguson was a successful and influential Black woman in the nursing field. She served as the head of several top organizations, including the nursing department head at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center and as nurse executive at the US Department of Veteran Affairs. 

Estelle Osborne was a fierce leader and educator that fought against racism and discrimination in the nursing field. She was the first Black woman to receive a master’s in nursing and the first Black faculty member at NYU Meyers. Not only did she accomplish many other “firsts,” her doing so opened the door for the Black nursing leaders that followed.  

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View the entire February newsletter here