This film series Highlight the Lived Experiences of Black Professional Nurses

  • Phoenix, Arizona (USA)

    This trailer shows trailblazing and pioneering black nurses of Arizona who have paved the way for future generations. Many of the nurses serve in the community as part of the Black Nurses Association of Greater Phoenix Area (BNAGPA) in addition to other professional nursing organizations. Many were considered “the first” diverse nurse leaders in their respective environments. Several became nurses and nurse leaders during the Civil Rights Era in the U.S. (a time when racial inclusion in medicine was at its lowest).

  • Huntsville, Alabama (USA)

    The nurse film producer, Ursula Fletcher, went back to her hometown of Huntsville, Alabama to connect with her relatives (2 aunts and cousin) who are nurses in additional to the nurses who inspired her when she was a young adult such as a nurse in the neighborhood and church who were Ms. Fletcher’s earlier role models in the healthcare field. The nurses discussed their individual perspectives and experiences in an engaging discussion of shared professional interest.

  • Accra, Ghana (West Africa)

    This trailer captures the voices of African-born black professional nurses and doctors who were born in West Africa or migrated from West Africa to live in USA or UK. This documentary explores their perception of the nursing professional, health, and well-being experiences a they lead in this world with a focus on closing gaps in healthcare disparities.

Phoenix, Arizona (USA)

This film trailer highlights moments from the interview with pioneering nurse leaders in the community and earlier founding members who chartered the Black Nurses Association of Greater Phoenix Arizona (BNAGPA) in 1970s. In United States, from 1916 to 1964 premier and mainstream professional nursing organizations overlooked, excluded, and did not consider the participation of black professional nurses which led to many challenges such as lack of mentoring, lack of leadership opportunities, lack of education advancement, and perpetuated misconceptions and stereotyping.

Some nurses of color took the initiative to form new professional organizations such as the BNAGPA that were inclusive and provided educational opportunities such as college scholarships. This took courageous nurses to keep the profession of nursing and community health thriving. This film allows us to hear perspectives, experiences, and provides insight for a better tomorrow as the healthcare section continues to build a brighter path for all.

Featuring:

Cynthia Brown Metoyer, MBA, BSN, RN

Kaye France, MEd, BS, CRNA, RN

Deidre Walton, JD, MSN, RN

Ollieen Walker Simmons, RN

Jewell Shelton, RN

Rosetta Dudley-Tilghman, RN

Dr. Rosa Norris, APRN, DNP, PMHNP, FNP-C

Special Acknowledgements: Phoenix Suns Charities, Josh McCann, Joshua Barnes, B.Y.O.H Productions, Black Nurses Association of Greater Phoenix Area.

Huntsville, Alabama (USA)

This film trailer highlights moments from the interview with Ursula’s aunts, cousin in the church, and childhood neighbor, all of whom are nurses and earlier role models to Ursula in Huntsville, Alabama. This film allows us to hear unique, unfiltered, and undiluted perspectives about the nursing profession, challenges, and opportunities for a better tomorrow.

Nurses in the family, neighborhoods, and churches play a significant role in shaping the future of healthcare. They have the power to directly impact lives, and demonstrate dedication to their life calling to heal, educate, and make a difference in community health.

Featuring:

Vera Moses, FNP-C, AMB-BC, MSN

Gaynell Stewart, RN

Mary J. Brazelton, RN

Jacqueline Wilson, BSN, RNC, PMH-BC

Special Acknowledgements: I AM Media & Entertainment, The Cross Family, The Fletcher Family, L. Oneal.

Accra, Ghana (West Africa)

This film trailer highlights interviews with Ghanaian nurses and a medical physician who are tackling healthcare disparities head-on and without fail in Ghana and worldwide. They discussed their lived experiences and represented an international voice.

Featuring:

Dr. Lily Asare, PhD, MPH, BED, BSC, RN

Stephen Adombire, MscN, BScN, RN

Josephine Agyei, BSN, RN

Ann Bonti, RN, BSN

Matilda Decker, DNP, APRN, FNP-C

Dr. Lydia Aziato, PhD, RN, BA, RN, ONC

Dr. Lillian Ohene - PhD, MPhil, BSc, PN, RN

Abigail Oto Parry, MGCNM. CCN. RGN

Dr. Anthony Ofosu, MD

Special acknowledgments: Ghanaian-Diaspora Nursing Alliance; Jacqueline Idun, FNP, RN; University of Ghana; Sigma Theta Tau Chi Omicron Chapter leaders; Ghana Health Service Office of the Director; Adelaide Siaw, MSN, RN; Shine Anani and Pitch_Black Pictures; L. Oneal.