Martha Minerva Franklin

[4] Franklin graduated from Meriden Public High School in 1890 as one of few African American members of her class.

[1] After graduation, Franklin returned to Meriden and began doing in-home private duty nursing.

[4] In the early 1900s, Franklin moved to New Haven and became involved in the city's black social organizations.

Adah Belle Samuel Thoms hosted the meeting at the Lincoln Hospital and Home in New York City.

[7][4] The NACGN received early support from the National Medical Association, a black physicians' group.

[2] Between 1928 and 1930, Franklin studied public health nursing at Teachers College, Columbia University, but did not complete a degree.