Betty Smith Williams, RN (1929-present)

In honor of Black History Month, we are highlighting black heroes in healthcare, especially in the homecare industry, where many certified home health aides and nursing assistants are women of color.

We are sharing their stories on our platforms along with informational cards that we have created and shared with our caregivers, partners, and local facilities.

Betty Smith Williams is a lifetime educator with over 50 years of teaching and research experience. She was the first African American nurse hired as an educator in higher education in the state of California.

Dr. Williams’ roles extended beyond teaching and leadership in academia. She was also a co-founder and charter member of the National Black Nurses Association in 1971. Williams stated that “the association was created to give African American nurses a voice and the opportunity to shape our destiny.” Williams was determined to unite black nurses nationally to focus on health issues that were particularly acute in minority communities.

Dr. Williams is another great example of a Black nurse who made great strides in the nursing and public health worlds and paved the way for many generations to come. (Trusted Health, 2022) (University of Illinois at Chicago College of Nursing Urban Health Program, 2021)

“What satisfies me most is that through my work, and the work of my peers, we have stimulated others to find avenues in nursing.