Evolution of Blacks in Nursing: Part I, 1896-1969.

The overall historical evolution of nursing is elongated, varied, and colorful, however, the evolution of Blacks in nursing is even more involved and colorful. This article examines the historical evolution of Blacks in nursing from 1896 to 1969 in Part 1. In June of 2019, Part 2 will be offered and will include historical data from 1970 to 2018. This article traces Black nurses' participation in World War I and World War II. It also traces the development of the Veterans Bureau (Veterans Affairs) and the participation of Black nurses. Historical figures such as Eunice Rivers are examined along with the Tuskegee Syphilis Study. In addition, organizations such as the American Nurses Association, the American Red Cross, and Chi Eta Phi Sorority are examined to come to a more complete understanding of the evolution of Blacks in nursing.