On August 1, 1879, Mary Eliza Mahoney became the first African American woman to graduate from a nursing program in the United States. She completed her training at the New England Hospital for Women and Children in Boston, Massachusetts.

Mahoney’s achievement was groundbreaking in a time when racial and gender barriers severely limited opportunities for African Americans, especially in the medical field. She later became a champion for diversity in nursing, co-founding the National Association of Colored Graduate Nurses (NACGN) in 1908, which worked to support and uplift Black nurses.

Her legacy continues today, as she is honored for paving the way for future generations of nurses. The Mary Mahoney Award, established by the American Nurses Association, recognizes individuals who make significant contributions to advancing equal opportunities in nursing.