Nationwide — Last year, Southern University’s School of Nursing, an HBCU in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, made history with its largest ever group of African American male nursing students. They have also secured a $339,000 grant to support diversity in healthcare research and education.
According to WBRZ, the historic class includes 33 Black male students—the biggest cohort the school has seen. Nursing student James Rodgers called it a “legendary” moment, stressing how important male diversity is in the healthcare field.
The school received the Diversify Nursing Research through Support of Minority Institutions grant from the American Nursing Foundation. Awarded in April 2024, the $339K funding aims to increase the number of ethnic minority nurse researchers and broaden healthcare research topics.
Students say they hope their presence helps shift stereotypes. Nursing student John Babin said, “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.”
Corey Clinton, another nursing student, appreciates the support he receives from classmates. “It’s a beautiful thing to know that I go to class each day and I’m encouraged to know that there are other students who are able to help me in different classes and tests,” Clinton said.
Dean Sandra Brown emphasized the importance of diversity in healthcare, saying, “Public trust begins with public health. So, you have to have individuals who are culturally diverse to be able to relate and impact the outcomes of the patients they serve.”
Ray Washington, another student, believes their work will inspire other Black men to pursue nursing. “We have the opportunity to decide our own story and now allow the world to make that decision for us.”
This class is not only making history but also helping to address the need for better representation in healthcare. They are just getting started, and they are determined to make a lasting impact on the healthcare field.