It was founded due to the lack of nursing schools in New York that accepted African American women.
[1] Around the same time, Lurline Vassall of Brooklyn, was denied entry to the Bellevue Hospital School of Nursing because of her race.
[1] Lurline's father William Vassall launched a campaign to open a school for black nurses.
Rumors spread that they hadn't received Bellevue caps because of concerns that black hair would be too greasy.
The design chosen featured a distinctive three point brim representing faith, hope and charity.