Who was the 1st trained African American nurse in the US (1879), a member of the American Nurses Association, and co-founded the National Association of Colored Graduate Nurses?

• A. Lillian Wald
• B. Jessie Sleet Scales
• C. Mary Mahoney
• D. Mary Adelaide Nutting

Answer: (C)

Mary Mahoney is the one described. She earned her nursing diploma in 1879 at the New England Hospital for Women and Children, becoming the first African American to complete a formal nursing program in the United States. She also joined the American Nurses Association, showing her place in national nursing leadership, and she co-founded the National Association of Colored Graduate Nurses to support Black nurses, promote high standards, and advocate for equal opportunities. The other figures are notable in nursing history for different contributions, but they are not recognized as the first trained African American nurse or as co-founders of NACGN.