“Empowering the Community through Education, Service and Caring”

Black Nurses Association of Greater Washington D.C. Area (BNA-GWDCA)

Our mission is “to serve as the voice for Black nurses and diverse populations ensuring equal access to professional development, promoting educational opportunities and improving health.”

Black Nurse of the Year Award - View nomination and application instructions
BNAGWDCA 2026 Scholarship Awardees
2026 Scholarship Awardees

Investing in the Next Generation

2027 Scholarships Are Now Open

The Black Nurses Association of Greater Washington, D.C. Area is accepting applications for its 2027 scholarship opportunities.

Scholarship Opportunities For:

High School Seniors • Student Nurses • Graduate & Doctoral Nursing Candidates

Application Deadline: January 31, 2027
BNAGWDCA 47th Annual Salute - March 6, 2027
SAVE THE DATE

47th Annual Salute

The Greater Washington, D.C. Area Chapter of the National Black Nurses Association invites you to save the date for our 47th Annual Salute.

Saturday, March 6, 2027
11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Join us for this special annual celebration recognizing nursing, service, leadership, and our continued commitment to the community.

More details coming soon!
Watch for information about registration, location, sponsorship opportunities, and the 2027 Salute program.
2026 Salute – Voice of the Black Nurse

Thank You for an Incredible 46th Annual Salute

Empowered • Prepared • Resilient

The Black Nurses Association of Greater Washington, DC Area, Inc. (BNA-GWDCA) extends our heartfelt gratitude to our sponsors, speakers, volunteers, planning committee, and the entire nursing and healthcare community for making the 46th Annual Salute to the Black Nurse of the Year & Scholarship Awards Luncheon a powerful and inspiring success.

A special congratulations to our 2026 Black Nurse of the Year, Dr. Eugenia T. Powell, whose leadership, excellence, and impact continue to inspire us all. Because of your support, we are able to continue advancing our mission of scholarship, advocacy, and improving health outcomes across our communities.

Message From The President

The Black Nurses Association of Greater Washington, DC Area (BNA-GWDCA) has been a leader in advancing health equity and empowering Black nurses for over 45 years. Our mission is to improve healthcare access, advocate for underserved communities, and support future generations of Black nurses through mentorship and scholarships.

In these critical times, we are witnessing significant health disparities, especially in communities of color. High blood pressure, diabetes, and preventable diseases continue to affect our communities at alarming rates. At BNA-GWDCA, we believe in action over words, and that’s why we’re in the community providing free health screenings, including blood pressure checks, organizing donations of hygiene products, coats, and winter clothing for students in Southeast DC, and distributing blankets to unhoused individuals.

Beyond direct community outreach, we also invest in the future of nursing through scholarships, mentorship programs, and leadership training for Black nurses. We believe that a strong and supported nursing workforce leads to healthier communities.

Please donate, sign up for our newsletter, and stay connected with us.

Together, we can continue to make a difference.

Stay connected with us at bnaofgwdca.org or email contactus@bnaofgwdca.org.

Thank you

Janice M. Johnson, BSN, RN, RN-BC, the 2026 President of the Black Nurses

Janice M. Johnson, BSN, RN-BC

“Serving as the Voice for Black Nurses”

Date and Time:

March 1, 2025
11 AM – 3 PM

Location:
Martin’s Crosswinds, Greenbelt, MD

Tickets:
$100 (includes access to the luncheon and a silent auction)
One contact hour will be awarded to attendees.

Honorees & Speakers:
Diana Wharton, MSN, RN, NE-A: 2025 Black Nurse of the Year
Birthale Archie, MSN, BSN, RN: Keynote Speaker

Support the BNAGWA’s 45th Annual Salute Celebration and invest in the future of nursing through sponsorship. Click here to learn more.

Reserve your spot now! Purchase Tickets

Our 2026 Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors

Legacy Project

The Legacy Project is a meaningful initiative created to document, preserve, and share the stories of Black nurses whose leadership, service, and advocacy helped shape the Black Nurses Association of the Greater Washington, DC Area and the communities it serves.

Through interviews and storytelling, this project honors the voices of founders, pioneers, and influential members whose contributions continue to inspire future generations of nurses, leaders, and community advocates.

As the project continues to grow, additional videos and stories will be added to preserve this history with dignity, purpose, and impact.

Support the Legacy Project

Your donation helps preserve these important stories and supports continued filming, editing, archiving, and future storytelling efforts that honor the legacy of Black nurses in Greater Washington, DC.

Every contribution helps us continue documenting this history and sharing it with the community, future nurses, and generations to come.

Join the Movement for Health Equity

Be a part of a powerful community advocating for accessible, inclusive healthcare and the advancement of Black nursing professionals. Together, we are building a future where diversity in nursing leads to better care for all.

Scroll to Top
New Client Special Offer

20% Off

Aenean leo ligulaconsequat vitae, eleifend acer neque sed ipsum. Nam quam nunc, blandit vel, tempus.