Racial Justice blog

Submitted by ADonahue on
Group of nurses in march holding signs "Union women are powerful women"

We won’t let them ban our stories

When future students read about the Covid-19 pandemic, nurses want our stories to be emblazoned on those pages. We want our grandchildren to understand the righteous anger we felt, rushing between far too many patients at once — some of them our own dying colleagues — while our employers cut corners on staffing and posted record profits.

February 24, 2024

NNU President Zenei Trunfo-Cortez in Washington, D.C

Celebrating Filipinx nurses

Filipinx registered nurses are an essential part of the labor movement as rank-and-file union members and union leaders. This October as we celebrate their achievements and contributions during Filipinx American History Month, we highlight Zenei Triunfo-Cortez, RN, a national nurse leader who has embodied the essence of union solidarity for decades.

National Nurses United
October 25, 2023

Collage of pictures of Black nurses and their families

Nurses celebrate Juneteenth

Juneteenth is not just a federal holiday. It’s a day of empowerment and transformation of African American lives in this country. It’s important to recognize this day and our contributions to this country.

National Nurses United
June 13, 2023

Michelle Gutierrez-Vo, RN

Honoring Filipinx American Nurses in Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month

May is the time to celebrate and acknowledge the achievements of the AAPI nurses in our country. This month we expand the rich history of Filipinx American nurses with stories of RN members of CNA/NNU who are part of that proud tradition.

National Nurses United
May 17, 2023

The first convention of the National Association of Colored Graduate Nurses, Boston, 1909

Celebrating the pioneering National Association of Colored Graduate Nurses

As nurses committed to fighting against the public health crisis of racism, we must endeavor to reveal and share our history so we can build toward a different future – one of inclusion, peace, and justice.

National Nurses United
February 10, 2023

RNRN nurses in The Philippines after Typhoon Haiyan in 2013.

Nursing is in the Heart

In honor of Filipino American History Month, the California Museum, located in Sacramento, is presenting an exhibit entitled ‘California is in the Heart’, which explores the vital role that Filipinx Americans have played in the state’s history.

National Nurses United
October 28, 2022

Nurse hold signs "Black Lives Matter"

Nursing our way to health care freedom

Juneteenth is a fitting time to recognize what union nurses are doing to fight racism in their workplaces and to ensure that all patients are getting the care they need.

National Nurses United
June 17, 2022

Nurse on picket line hold sign "Chinese Hospital Nurses On Strike for Our Patient's Safety"

Making history

As we celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, the nurses of Chinese Hospital are a living, inspiring example of the courage, determination, resilience, and solidarity Asian Americans in the United States have displayed in fighting for social justice for themselves, their patients, and their communities.

National Nurses United
May 27, 2022

Nurses hold signs "Black Lives Matter"

Nurses: Protesters Are Our Patients. Stop Attacking Them

As we connect the lines, nurses can see that police violence against protesters spans calendar years, locations, and protest issues; it is ubiquitous. As advocates for public health and safety, we call for an end to this violence.

Bonnie Castillo, RN, opinion contributor for The Hill
June 16, 2020

Nurses hold signs "Racism is a Public Health Crisis"

What Algorithms Tell Us About Structural Racism in Health Care

A research study on a commercial computer program used to allocate health care resources on predicted future health care costs provided a window on the ongoing pervasive impact of structural racism in our nation’s health care system.

Bonnie Castillo, Executive Director of National Nurses United