HBCU Southern University Makes History with Record-Breaking Class of Black Male Nurses!
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Posted By: Will Moss on November 14, 2024 Southern University’s College of Nursing and Allied Health is shattering barriers and making headlines in extraordinary ways. According to WBRZ-2 News, this Baton Rouge, LA-based Historically Black College and University (HBCU) has reached a historic milestone by welcoming its largest cohort of Black male nursing students—33 ambitious individuals ready to transform the healthcare landscape.southern-university-makes-history-with-record-breaking-class-of-black-male-nurses “The diversity of males in healthcare is very important for us,” expressed nursing student James Rodgers. “So to be a part of something like this is legendary for us.” Fellow student Ray Washington added, “I think now other males, younger black males, older males having the opportunity to see what we’re doing here is only going to ignite a fire in them and say we have the opportunity to decide our own story and not allow the world to make that decision for us.” These students are on a mission to redefine the face of healthcare while challenging long-standing stereotypes. Their dedication extends beyond caring for their peers; they aim to create a lasting impact in their communities, and they believe this is just the beginning of their journey. “Black men can do other things besides football and basketball, or being incarcerated in places like prison, so this is seen as an option that they can have,” shared nursing student John Babin, highlighting the broader possibilities for Black men in society. The determination of these nursing students underscores the critical need for representation within minority communities. Visible Magazine reports that, out of 4.2 million registered nurses in the U.S., Black nurses make up only 6%, with men comprising a mere 9.4% of the workforce. The presence of Black male nurses is so limited that it cannot even be quantified statistically. See also How Can Public Speaking Help Your Career? “Public trust begins with public health,” said Sandra Brown, the dean of Southern’s nursing school. She stressed the importance of diversity in healthcare, adding, “So, you have to have individuals who are culturally diverse to be able to relate and impact the outcomes of the patients they serve.” Amidst a troubling trend of declining enrollment at HBCUs, Southern University’s landmark cohort arrives as a beacon of hope. AFROTECH reported that HBCUs have experienced an 11% drop in enrollment since 2010, with Black male enrollment declining even more sharply—by 25% at HBCUs compared to a 22% drop across all institutions. While the percentage difference may seem small, its impact is profoundly felt in HBCUs, where Black male students constitute a significant portion of the student body.. Jacory Bernard, an admission advisor at Morehouse College—America’s only all-male HBCU—remains hopeful about reversing this trend. He sees potential in engaging prospective male students, stating, “For these young Black boys growing up in our world, it is a challenge just existing. They had these preconceived ideas and notions of their identity in the context of the world. It is harder. You have the entirety of your life to spend as a minority in America; there is something profound about choosing for four years to be the majority.” Southern University’s achievement is not just a milestone but a transformative step towards a more inclusive and diverse future for the nursing profession. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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Will Moss
Founder & CEO, HBCU CONNECT, LLC Hampton University class of 1995 Member Since June 1999 |
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