Hazel W Johnson Brown – First Black Female General in the U. S. Army
By
John C Abercrombie
Today is day 21 of the 31-day tribute to the first Black female General in the United States Army. During earlier days, the possibility of meaningful occupations was not strongly pushed for Blacks. Inspired and encouraged by a White nurse, Hazel Winifred Johnson pursued a career in nursing. Overcoming obstacles, she found success, much like she did in the military. Featuring an outstanding series of videos, we explore this exceptional woman.
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The post on the 31 outstanding Black women, click here.
Early years
Hazel Winifred Johnson was born October 10, 1927 in West Chester, Pennsylvania. She grew up on her father’s farm as one of 7 children. She was inspired to become a nurse by a local White public health nurse. An inspired person develops a passion and wiliness to work towards their goals and Johnson was no exception to the rule. She worked, and she worked hard to achieve her goal.
Race is important here because it points to the disparate treatment that people faced in many cases. Typically, Blacks were denied the opportunity to train and if trained, the opportunity for employment. In many cases, if employed separate salary scales were in place. It was not until the late 1940’s for example before Black teachers were paid the same as White teachers. The Black teachers had larger student populations, limited resources and often substandard facilities.
After High school, Johnson applied to the West Chester School of nursing but was rejected, not because of her academic work, not on the basis of anything except her race. It may seem strange to many people today, but it was the norm in earlier days.
People with a calling, willing to pay the price, were often denied the opportunity to pursue their dreams based solely on the basis of race and/or gender.
Her story is not unlike so many other people who worked hard to achieve their goals, with the exception that Johnson was given a second chance to succeed, which she did with outstanding performance in every aspect of training and performance on the job.
She so impressed the White nurse that had inspired her than she was encouraged to apply to the Harlem Hospital School of Nursing. While Johnson was able to take advantage of the opportunity, so many people have not been offered alternatives.
Once given the opportunity to study, find employment and show proficiency, Johnson was fortunate to get additional opportunities and was willing to take the challenge when presented. There is a lesson here for people today. Prepare and be ready for the opportunity that you desire and deserve.
Military Career
- In 1955, Johnson Brown enlisted in the U.S. Army. This was just after President Harry Truman signed legislation banning segregation and discrimination in the U.S. armed services.
- In 1960 Johnson-Brown joined the Army’s nursing Corps as a 1st Lieutenant
- She was a staff nurse in Japan and a Chief nurse in Korea.
- During the Vietnam War, she trained surgical nurses preparing to deploy to Southeast Asia.
- In the 1970’s she served as director of the Walter Reed Army Institute of Nursing.
- In 1976 she was Assistant Dean of the University of Maryland School of Nursing.
When selected to head the Army Nurse Crops, she was serving as chief nurse of rhe Army Hospital in Seoul, South Korea.
Educational pursuits
- In 1959, she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in nursing from Villanova University.
- In 1963, she earned her Master’s Degree in nursing education from Columbia University.
- In 1978, she earned her Ph.D. in nursing education administration from Catholic University of America.
In 1979, Johnson-Bworn was promoted to brigadier general as head of the Army Nurse Corps. This brought many firsts:
- The first Black woman general
- The first Black woman to serve as the Army’s Senior Nurse.
- In 1983, Johnson Brown retired from the U.S. Army and began working as the director of the American Nursing Association’s government affair division.
- In 1986, she became professor of nursing at George Mason University.
After living an amazing life, Johnson-Brown departed this life, August 5, 2011.
This post is part of a series dedicated to Black women we should all know. This series can be viewed using this link.
Video Interviews of General Hazel Johnson Brown
Having seen some of the amazing events that defined a life well lived, the following videos are recommended as it gives an in depth look at her philosophy and so many principals that are highly valuable today.
The following videos is give an excellent opportunity to see the life of a woman not afraid to speak out. A woman of principal. Listen for clues on how to do a great job and get credit for it. Her words continue to ring true today, more than ever!
We need your support! Below the informative videos (located below) are clickable links to books. Please use these links to check out valuable resources. You can review samples of the books, or in the case of those on audible, listen to a sample. Books are great gifts!
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Thank you!
John C Abercrombie
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Amazing Black History
Hazel Johnson-Brown “My parents”
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School is often a different experience for people of different races as there are often taunts and hints of racism that affect the learning process. This is not limited to race, but is often compounded by it.
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Hazel Johnson-Brown “School”
Again, many aspects of life are affected by challenges that a person has no control over. People on the receiving end of prejudice see life differently than those without that challenge.
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Hazel Johnson-Brown “Entering the Army and Prejudice”
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Brigadier General Hazel Johnson-Brown “Starting my Career”
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The appeal of the Army
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A career officer is promoted to the highest ranks of the US Army.
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Brigadier General Hazel Johnson-Brown “My Childhood”
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Brigadier General Hazel Johnson-Brown “Racism”
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Books about Brigadier General Hazel Johnson-Brown are limited, however the following link is about the first Black female promoted to the rank of Colonel. The story of Colonel Margaret E. Bailey.
There are opportunities for researchers to seek and do a deep dive in the lives worth sharing and write about theml
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Memories of a Tuskegee Airmen Nurse and Her Military Sisters
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