Our History
In 2010, a group of audacious Black Family Nurse Practitioner’s identified the need to develop an organization that will promote Advance Practice Nurses (APRNs) and help bridge the gap of health disparities in the underserved communities. This marked the formation of National Black Nurse Practitioner Association (NBNPA), formerly known as Houston Metropolitan Black Nurse Practitioner Association as a professional organization for all black nurse practitioners. The following eleven Advanced Practice Nurses laid the foundation for the establishment of the National Black Nurse Practitioner Association: Natarsha L. Clark, Sonya Carothers, Dr. Stephanie Brown-Elder, Dr. LeKeshur Green, Nekeisha Griffin, Angela Hall, Dr. Lutricia Harrison, Rhonda Y. Hockless (Deceased), Cheryl Jackson, Rosaland L. Taylor, Sheila Webber, and Valerie Williams. Officers were selected from the above group of APRNs.
The following served as officers for NBNPA
- President: Natarsha L. Clark
- Vice President: Rosaland Lacy-Taylor
- Secretary: Dr. LeKeshur Green
- Treasurer: NeKeisha Griffin
- Chaplain: Sheila Webber
- Historian: LuTricia Harrison
Through the founders’ shared vision, perseverance and commitment, Black Advanced Practice Nurses now have an organization whose goals are to empower the advancement of nurse practitioners in their profession, foster social fellowship among members, and serves as a philanthropist to individuals and organizations related to the healthcare concerns of minority communities. Our slogan is “Nurse Practitioners on the Move.” In December 2012, we were formally recognized by the state of Texas as a non-profit organization. Continuing to achieve momentous achievements, National Black Nurse Practitioner Association became a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization on October 24, 2014.
We have participated in outreach community services to gain exposure and to heighten awareness of hypertension, diabetes and heart disease which plague our minority community. We actively advocate for our profession by participating in legislative activities.
Mission: NBNPA is an organization comprised of Advance Practice Nurses (APRNs) committed to improving the public health and welfare of all communities. Empowering the advancement of nurse practitioners in their profession, foster social fellowship among members and serves as a philanthropist to individuals and organizations related to the healthcare concerns of communities.
Vision: To reach out to the communities across the economic spectrum and provide healthy professional services to meet the community needs. To inspire nurse practitioners to lead in health and wellness for our communities by promoting outreach education. To take an active role in our profession and enhance community awareness of the availability of an inclusive health care provider who visualizes the patient as an individual and treat them with dignity and respect.