Hazel Winifred Johnson-Brown (October 10, 1927 – August 5, 2011) was a distinguished nurse, educator, and military leader who made history as the first African American woman to be promoted to general in the U.S. Army and lead the Army Nurse Corps.

Early years and education

Born in West Chester, Pennsylvania to a farming family, she was one of seven children. From a young age, she dreamed of becoming a nurse, but faced racial discrimination: the local nursing school denied her admission because of the color of her skin. Despite this, she moved to New York City, where she graduated from Harlem School of Nursing in 1950. She later earned a bachelor’s degree from Villanova University in 1959, a master’s degree from Columbia University in 1963, and a doctorate from the Catholic University of America in 1978.

Military career

Johnson-Brown joined the U.S. Army in 1955, shortly after racial segregation in the armed forces was abolished. She served in various parts of the world, including Japan, where she trained nurses deployed to Vietnam. In 1979, after 24 years of service, she was both promoted to the rank of brigadier general and appointed chief of the Army Nurse Corps, becoming the first African American woman in those positions.

As Corps Chief, she supervised more than 7,000 nurses in the Army, National Guard and Reserves. Under her leadership, nursing practice standards were implemented for all Army hospitals and an alternative to hospital-based ROTC summer camps was created.

After military service

After retiring in 1983, Johnson-Brown pursued a career in education, directing the Center for Health Policy at George Mason University and serving as a professor.

She also directed the government relations division of the American Nurses Association.

Personality and legacy

Johnson-Brown was known for her commitment to equality and justice. She did not condone racial discrimination and always stood up for her rights and the rights of others.

Her contributions to military medicine and nursing and her fight for equality made her a significant figure in U.S. history. She passed away on August 5, 2011 at the age of 83 and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.