COMMUNITY
Members of CFBNA attending the scholarship luncheon.
BLACK NURSES CELEBRATE 40 YEARS
THE CENTRAL FLORIDA BLACK NURSES ASSOCIATION OF ORLANDO, INC., RECOGNIZES ACHIEVEMENT. BY DR. JUNE ROBINSON AND DR. JENNIFER SANKEY PHOTOS BY TED HOLLINS PHOTOS
O
n Saturday September 24, 2022, Central Florida Black Nurses Association of Orlando, Inc., (CFBNA) celebrated its 40th Ruby Anniversary and 38th Scholarship Awards Luncheon, marking a remarkable achievement: reaching a significant milestone in the history of the organization. The celebration was held at the Double Tree by Hilton Hotel in Orlando with more than 300 guests in attendance to mark this special occasion. The special speaker was Tiffany Moore Russell, Orange County Clerk of Courts, who spoke about management of self-health and wellness. She praised CFBNA for continued advocacy of encouraging the community to make their own health and wellness a priority. The two living founders of CFBNA, Bernice Edwards and Susie Forehand, attended the event and received recognition and honor for 40 years of service. The third 30 ONYX MAGAZINE
founder was Mercedes Clark. CFBNA also acknowledged former scholarship recipients from Orlando and across the nation. They tout CFBNA for being instrumental in their success as professional nurses who provide quality health care to the country. Building on the number of recipients, CFBNA awarded nine new scholarships during the luncheon to: Bernard Edouard, AdventHealth; Laura Florestal, Polk State College; Faith Gerrick, University of North Florida; Dawn Leeds, Keiser University; Rose Miguel, Valencia; Gabrielle Phillips, Seminole State College; Peter Serrano, Lake Technical College; Trinity Shaw, Palm Beach Atlantic University; Alaysia Flowers-Sims, City College. Each scholar received a certificate and a monetary award toward their nursing education. Each year Dan Kirby and his sister, Toni Watson, select one recipient to receive the Mrs. Eliza Kirby Scholarship. The late Kirby was a president
of CFBNA. Her children honor her work and commitment by generously awarding an annual scholarship in her memory. Recipient Gabrielle Phillips has a goal to become a nurse anesthetist, following in the steps of Kirby. Luncheon guests had the opportunity to browse several vendors and purchase their wares. Vendors sold hats, jewelry, and many other gift-worthy items. The vendors represented Absolutely Beautiful Boutique, Katrina’s Cupcakes, Black Brew Bros., Health Wellness and Beauty and 5 Star Healthcare Consultants. The Ocean Breeze Band performed a beautiful blend of music during the event. At the end of the luncheon, they entertained with their dance music, topping off the day with their smooth jazz sound, sending guests home with a happy heart and dancing feet. While CFBNA has completed 40 years of service, for which members praise God, members commit
to continued advocacy for heath equity to communities now and in the future. For more information on Central Florida Black Nurses Association of Orlando, Inc. please visit our website at cfbnaoforlando.org.
HISTORY OF CFBNA Looking back over the past 40 years, the Central Florida Black Nurses Association (CFBNA) of Orlando Inc., has come a long way. It seems like only yesterday (1982) that the founders, Mercedes Clark (deceased), Bernice Edwards and Susie Forehand identified a need to organize a local group of Black nurses. Action was quickly taken to form an association to address issues unique to Black nurses and to the minority community in Central Florida. Over the years, CFBNA has continued to develop, flourish, and grow stronger. In May of 1994 under the leadership of President Juanita Green, we became a chartered chapter of National Black Nurses Association
