There are many reasons, in this year of 2024, for people worldwide to be reflecting on the meaning of freedom. Ongoing wars between nation groups bring into sharp focus the reality of power imbalances that encroach on the freedoms of those with less power. Struggles for basic human rights rage internally in nations around the world. Communities are challenged by the timeless challenge to balance the rights and freedoms of all, and the necessity to restrain forces of injustice. All of these conflicts jeopardize the health and very lives of those involved directly and indirectly in the conflicts. It is no accident that the history of nursing in the United States has strong connections to war and political conflict, given the dire threat that war serves on the health and well being of all.

In the United States, we now have a federal holiday – June 19th – that commemorates the announcement, 2 years delayed, of the emancipation proclamation that reached enslaved people in Texas. The Emancipation Proclamation was issued in 1863 in the context of the U.S. civil war (1861-1865). The proclamation was a measure that declared enslaved people in rebelling states to be free, and that authorized the enlistment of black troops. Although it did not instantly free those who were enslaved, it set forth the ideal of freedom for all. The date of June 19th – which occurs two weeks before the national celebration of the July 4th independence from the British crown, Juneteenth sets the stage for a two-week span of time that could be designated as a period of reflection on the meaning of freedom, and why it is so very important to preserve as an ideal for all, while considering how to restrain forces of injustice that unjustly limit freedoms and human rights for many – including the basic human right of health.

The ideal of the of the right for all people to reach full health potential is embedded in nursing knowledge. This potential can only be experienced in a context of freedom. Jane Georges’ “Emancipatory Theory of Compassion” is among the most explicit in addressing power relations that limit human freedom. In brief, on Nursology.net we describe Georges’ theory as follows:

Compassion, defined as the wish that all others be free of suffering, is absolutely necessary for emancipatory nursing practice and praxis. “Emancipatory” is used to emphasize the centrality that power relations have on suffering, and the ability to render compassion impossible. The theory takes into context the impact power relationship have on the axes of gender, ethnicity, and other sociopolitical constructs. Compassion and suffering take into account broader social issues, such racism and sexism. The theory addresses both the suffering of patients and nurses, and goes beyond the nurse-patient relationship to contextualize suffering and compassion of communities and populations. The theory asserts that it is axiomatic for nursing to find ways to decrease suffering, share power, increase compassion, speak the unspeakable, teach moral imagination, and enhance voice. (from https://nursology.net/nurse-theories/theory-of-emancipatory-compassion-for-nursing/)

The span of two weeks between Juneteenth and July 4th draws attention to the persistent forces that limit human freedoms based on skin color – a factor that is at its root the underlying dynamic in wars between and within nations. Last year on July 2nd I posted a blog reflecting on the meaning of the July 4th holiday for people of color – which I point to again this year. This year, I am especially reflecting on the remarkable contributions that African American nurses have made to the course of history in general, and particularly to the struggle for full humanity, health and freedom.

One of the best known is Sojourner Truth, whose famous “Ain’t I a Woman” was delivered in 1861 at the height of the U.S. civil war. Her speech influences freedom initiatives to this day. Truth cared for the sick and dying throughout her life, although she was never able to have formal education as a nurse.

Susie King Taylor, teacher and nurse, was born into slavery in Georgia in 1848, and freed at the age of 14 by her uncle. Remarkably, she learned to read despite Georgia’s laws prohibiting education for Black people, attending secret schools taught by Black women. She wrote a memoir of her experiences in the Civil war – “Reminiscences of My Life in Camp with the 33d United States Colored Troops, Late 1st S.C. Volunteers“, recounting ways in which she was able to use her literacy skills to advance the cause of freedom.

There are many many others. We can all take action to advance freedom and justice for all! Here is a gallery of nurse activists who have taken action on behalf of human freedom, health, and justice. Take a few moments to browse the gallery, find and honor others whose actions contribute to full health and humanity, and then join with others to follow your own passion for activism!