ABOUT US
OUR MISSION | NBNA’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.
NBNA is committed to improving the quality of life of persons who share the African American heritage and other ethnic groups by:
- Building consumer knowledge and understanding of health care issues.
- Educating and mentoring registered nurses, licensed vocational/practical nurses, nursing students and retired nurses.
- Facilitating the professional development and career advancement of nurses in emerging healthcare systems.
- Promoting economic development of nurses through entrepreneurial and other business initiatives

President
GREETINGS TO ALL! | As we embark upon a New Year with new opportunities we need to reflect on the outgoing year, 2020. Last year brought unprecedented challenges and undeniably one of the most difficult years we have ever had to face. We cannot forget COVID-19, which has exposed the true nature of America. It has truly exposed systemic racism and the injustices that result from it. African Americans had the highest morbidity and mortality from COVID 19 than any other ethnic group. African Americans comprise the largest group of front-line workers, were often left to work with inadequate personal protective equipment. It is well known that African Americans do not always have access to healthcare. However, our front-line warriors, nurses, recognized as heroes and leading the way responded to the call to action and cared for patients placing themselves in harm’s way. Other front-line workers responded as well including grocery store employees, garbage pickup, delivery service, postal workers just to name a few.
Social injustice became a political and volatile part of US history leaving names of George Floyd, and Breanna Taylor and many more to become household names never to be forgotten. Most recently the White House fiasco took place, our countries lowest moment in our lifetime. Now on the brink of Inauguration Day there are more threats surrounding our country.
What will be the future for CCNBNA (Chicago Chapter National Black Nurses Association) amidst our current world climate? We must remain focused on teaching and reaching our community. We have to maintain visibility to help dispel myths and irrational fears. We must continue to assist with community outreach programs, such as the sock and care package, masks and hand sanitizers etc. give away. Small things matter and are appreciated in times like these. We must continue to lead by example.
Other goals for 2021 include increasing our membership and recruiting younger members in conjunction with the National NBNA 50/50 drive; have a Virtual Retreat; Increase member participation in our community endeavors and last but not least, support and encourage each other.
We must start now so as not to let the year slip away. May we grow in Unity and Respect for each other as we reach out to OUR community. We will continue to meet virtually until safe to do otherwise. We will continue to focus on financial viability as well.
In closing We are in this together and We need each other. Reach out and virtually hold on to each other never letting go. We can do this, and We will!
Your President
Ethel L Walton
Chicago Chapter National
Black Nurses Association
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

President
Ethel Walton, RN

Vice President
Vanessa Willis, RN

2ND VICE PRESIDENT

Treasurer
Rev Dr. Evelyn Collier-Dixon

Recording Secretary

Financial Secretary
Dr. Linda Howard, RN

CORRESPONDING SECRETARY

IMMEDIATE PAST PRES.
Ellen G. Durant, MS, RN
COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSON
Dr SANDRA WEBB-BOOKER
MEMBERSHIP
VANESSA WILLES
WAYS AND MEANS
DR. RUBY REESE
SCHOLARSHIP
VACANT
FINANCE COMMITTEE
BETTY LEWIS, RN
BEREAVEMENT
MARILYN RICHARDSON
HOSPITALITY
Ada Brown Walls, RN
HISTORIAN
Ada Brown-Walls, RN
NOMINATING
Dr. Brenda Jones, RN
EDUCATION
REV. EVELYN COLLIER-DIXON
PROGRAM
DR. MILDRED TAYLOR, RN, DNP
HEALTH POLICY
MICKEL WARD-ELLISON
BYLAWS
JUANITA RAIYEMO, RN
RECORDING SECRETARY
CAROLYN OWENS / REV. EVELYN COLLIER- DIXON / FALLON FLOWERS, RN
PUBLICITY
UP WHERE WE BELONG
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.
OUR PHILOSOPHY IS THIS
Provision for the enjoyment of optimal health is the birthright of every American. Yet Black Americans, along with other minority groups in our society, are by design neglected and excluded from the means to achieve access to the health of mainstream of America. CCNBNA is committed to improving the quality of life of persons who share the African American heritage and other ethnic groups by:
- Building consumer knowledge and understanding of health issues.
- Educating and mentoring registered and licensed practical nurses, student nurses and retired nurses.
- Facilitating the professional development and career advancement of nurses in emerging healthcare systems.
- Serve as the national body to influence legislation and policies that affect Black People;
- and work cooperatively and collectively with other health workers to this end.
- Promoting economic development of nurses through entrepreneurial and other business initiatives.
- Recruit, counsel and assist Black persons interested in nursing to insure a constant procession of Blacks into the field.
- Conduct, analyze, and publish the body of knowledge about health needs of Blacks.
- Collaborate with other Black organizations to compile archives relevant to historical, current and future activities of Black Nurses. (This clause was amended to the CCNBNA mission statement July, 2001)
CCNBNA’s mission is to ensure that optimal health is a right. Therefore, CCNBNA will identify, investigate, and educate society regarding emerging healthcare issues of the black community and other undeserved ethnic communities.
ABOUT US
CONTRIBUTE
EDUCATION
NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
2023 LEGISLATIVE POSITIONS ON BILLS | DETAILS
ALL OF US RESEARCH PROGRAM | DETAILS
NURSING COLLEAGUE HONOR CRITERIA | DETAILS
35TH NATIONAL BLACK NURSES DAY CELEBRATION | DETAILS
State Rep. Debbie Meyers-Martin announces | DETAILS
SB 1990 | CALL SENATE LICENSING COMMITTEE MEMBERS ASAP | DETAILS
MEMBERSHIP
As a member, you will join over 150,000 that NBNA represents and those who recognize the value of belonging to the only professional African American nursing association.
CONTACT
RESOURCES
GALLERY
© Chicago Chapter National Black Nurses Association Inc | articdesigns.com | EmailLOGIN