BY GWEN HAYES

Sentinel Editor

Since 2007, Reverend Pauline L. Cole, R. N., has been collecting and storing data for a documentary on the Black Nurses of Hillsborough County. During the years since then, others have joined her as historical project assistants, research assistants or advisors.

On February 28, 2013, 6-8 p. m., the work that has been done on the project will be unveiled at the C. Blythe Andrews, Jr. Branch Library, 2607 E. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. The program theme is “The Plight of Black Nurses in Hillsborough County: What A Difference A Day Makes.”

Speakers for this event will be Mrs. Frances Cheeks Jennings, RN, ARNP, and Mrs. Margaret Ewen, RN.

Rev. Cole, a retired RN, co-founder of the Minority Nurses Association and founder of the Black Nurses Association, states the purpose of the documentary is “to document history for our Black nurses here in Hillsborough County with regards to their experiences, accomplishments and contributions made to the nursing profession – RNs, LPNs, and student nurses.”

Registered nurses who have worked on this project chaired by Rev. Cole are: Mrs. Ewen, Mrs. Jennings, Ruby Williams, RN, Mary Ann Watson, RN, Janie M. Simpson, RN and Olga Douglas, RN.

Project assistants are: Barbara Hawkins, Katelyn Humphrey and Gerard Williams. Mary Watson is assisting Research Advisor, Dr. Kim Curry of the University of Tampa.

Community advisors are: Faith Miller-Burston, Hillsborough County School Board; and Albert Coleman, African American Liaison, Hillsborough County Office of Community Affairs.

For additional information, call (813) 442-4156 or email  HYPERLINK “mailto:wozint@netzero.com” wozint@netzero.com.