Since its founding in 1968, the Council of Black Nurses, Los Angeles (CBN-LA) has been a cornerstone of support, mentorship, and advocacy for Black nurses. Established during a time when Black nurses were excluded from mainstream healthcare organizations, CBN-LA emerged to challenge that exclusion, amplifying the voices of Black healthcare professionals and promoting health equity in underserved communities.
The organization was founded by two trailblazing nurses, Dr. Betty Smith Williams and Barbara Johnson, who shared a vision to create space, opportunity, and leadership pathways for Black nurses in a healthcare system marked by systemic barriers. That same vision would go on to 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 serving as the NBNA’s first president.
Soon after its inception, NBNA became a powerful national advocate, committed to advancing the professional development of Black nurses and increasing their impact across the healthcare landscape. Today, NBNA has grown to more than 100 chapters nationwide, with CBN-LA remaining one of its most active and influential chapters.
For Angela Wilson, current president of CBN-LA, discovering the organization in 2019 was a transformative experience. She attended the chapter’s 50th Anniversary and Scholarship Celebration, unaware it would mark the beginning of a new chapter in her life.
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“The room was filled with energy and pride,” Wilson recalled. “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.”
That powerful first impression sparked a lasting commitment. Today, Wilson leads the organization with the same passion that first drew her in. She credits CBN-LA not only for her professional growth but for providing a supportive, nurturing community.
“CBN-LA is like a family, one that genuinely cares about your success as a Black nurse,” she said.
More than five decades since its founding, CBN-LA continues to lead and remain impactful. Its mission remains unchanged: to uplift Black nurses and serve underserved communities. CBN-LA is deeply involved in community outreach and regularly participates in public health initiatives, including 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.” These events provide vital health education and resources to the public while also encouraging young people to consider careers in healthcare.
CBN-LA also provides scholarships to nursing students, including both Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs), to ease the financial burden of their education.
Beyond financial support, the organization offers mentorship programs, pairing students with experienced nurses who provide guidance and encouragement throughout their careers.
As part of its ongoing commitment to health equity, CBN-LA plays an active role within the NBNA, continuously advocating for leadership opportunities for Black nurses and championing policy reforms to address healthcare disparities. Each year, CBN-LA members attend the NBNA National Conference, a powerful gathering to share knowledge, celebrate achievements, and address the challenges facing Black nurses. The 53rd NBNA National Conference will be held in Dallas, Texas, from August 5 to 10.
With roots in compassion and a response to systemic exclusion, CBN-LA was founded to include Black nurses in areas where they had long been denied. It is a community built by nurses, for nurses, lifting one another up and stepping gently yet boldly into the places where care is needed most.
Today, CBN-LA has grown into a movement that champions Black nurses, inspiring them to lead with confidence and heal with purpose. Clearly, CBN-LA is influenced by 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, visit www.cbn-la.org or call (213) 892-6939.
