Since its founding in 1968, the Council of Black Nurses, Los Angeles (CBN-LA) has stood as a pillar of support, mentorship, and advocacy for Black nurses in the Los Angeles area.
Emerging during a time of significant exclusion from mainstream healthcare organizations, CBN-LA was formed to confront systemic barriers and amplify the voices of Black healthcare professionals.
The organization was birthed from the vision of two pioneering figures in nursing, Dr. Betty Smith Williams and Barbara Johnson.
They aimed to create spaces filled with opportunity and pathways to leadership for Black nurses, setting the groundwork for what would eventually inspire the creation of the National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) in 1971.
Co-founded by Dr. Betty Smith Williams and Mattiedna Johnson, with Dr. Lauranne Sams as its first president, the NBNA became a formidable national advocate for Black nurses, advancing their professional development and influence in healthcare.
Today, CBN-LA remains one of the most active chapters of the NBNA, continuing its mission of supporting Black nurses and promoting health equity in underserved communities.
Angela Wilson, the current president of CBN-LA, first encountered the organization in 2019.
Her experience at the chapter’s 50th Anniversary and Scholarship Celebration proved transformative for her.
Wilson reflected on that day, stating, “The room was filled with energy and pride.
I was inspired by the legacy of Black excellence and leadership.
Meeting the founders and hearing their stories moved me deeply.
I knew right then this was something I wanted to be a part of.”
Wilson’s initial impression ignited a strong commitment to an organization that she now leads with the same passion she first felt.
CBN-LA has played a crucial role in her professional development, providing not just career guidance, but a close-knit community.
“CBN-LA is like a family, one that genuinely cares about your success as a Black nurse,” Wilson shared.
More than five decades after its establishment, CBN-LA remains dedicated to its mission of uplifting Black nurses and serving marginalized communities.
The organization is deeply involved in community outreach, participating annually in various public health initiatives.
Events like the “Inglewood Heritage Festival” for Black History Month, the “Alzheimer’s Walk in Los Angeles,” and the “Mini Nurse Academy at St. Eugene Catholic School” provide essential health education and resources, aimed at encouraging young people to explore careers in healthcare.
Additionally, CBN-LA offers scholarships to nursing students, including Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs), alleviating some of the financial pressure associated with their education.
Beyond financial assistance, the organization has developed mentorship programs designed to connect students with seasoned nurses who can offer valuable guidance and encouragement throughout their careers.
As part of its ongoing commitment to health equity, CBN-LA actively participates in the NBNA, pushing for leadership opportunities and advocating for policy changes that address healthcare disparities.
Members regularly attend the NBNA National Conference, which serves as a vital forum for sharing knowledge, celebrating achievements, and tackling challenges specific to Black nurses.
The upcoming 53rd NBNA National Conference is set to take place in Dallas, Texas, from August 5 to 10.
Founded on principles of compassion and a need to address systemic exclusion, CBN-LA is more than just an organization.
It is a community of nurses supporting one another in efforts to deliver care and foster health equity in their communities.
Today, CBN-LA represents a movement that inspires Black nurses to lead with confidence and heal with purpose.
The organization’s guiding ethos resonates with the message from 1 Peter 4:10: “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”
To learn more about CBN-LA, apply for scholarships, or get involved, individuals can visit their website at www.cbn-la.org or call (213) 892-6939.
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