What famous Black woman in the resistance, a changemaker that is living or dead, do you most admire and why?

Dr. Nunley (right) and nursing student (left) circa 1976

Professor Emeritus Dr. Jess Nunley (1928-2007) taught nursing at the University of

Oklahoma for 36 years. She was the second Black nursing professor at the university. She developed and led the nursing college minority recruitment and retention program. In addition, she published articles related to minority recruitment and retention. She often tutored groups of minority students in her living room to help ensure their successful matriculation. Dr. Nunley chartered the first Black Nurses Association in Oklahoma (which unfortunately sunset after her retirement). The Oklahoma Historical Society recognized her as a Trailblazer for her work as an educator.

While there were accredited nursing schools in Oklahoma, Blacks were not allowed. As such, her family sued the state for admission. If the state did not allow admission, it would provide a separate but equal education opportunity. The state subsequently paid for Dr. Nunley to attend the St. Phillip School of Nursing in Richmond, VA, rather than admit her to higher education in Oklahoma. Nunley went on to earn a Master’s and Doctoral degrees. Dr. Nunley is the changemaker Black woman in the resistance I admire most; She is my mother. May you continue to Rest in Power. Curtis Nunley, MBA, CAE Director, Membership, American Society of Civil Engineers