Provision for the enjoyment of optimal health is the birth right of every American. Major health interest groups and governmental agencies believe this and act upon it. Yet, Black Americans, along with other minority groups in our society, are by design or neglect, excluded from the means to achieve access to the healthcare mainstream of America. Black nurses have the knowledge, interest, concern, and experience to make a significant difference in the health care status of the Black community.  Therefore, we as Black nurses, have established a local chapter of the National Black Nurses Association, Inc. (NBNA) to investigate, define, and determine what the health care needs of Black Americans are, and to implement change, to make available to Black Americans and other minorities the healthcare that is commensurate to that of the larger society.