"Victory in our lifetime"
BLACK CROSS SOCIETY
Black Cross Society
“Carrying on the torch of knowledge about health and rightful living for the enlightenment of our people in all the corners of the earth and eradicating the fatalistic theory that disease is God sent.”
~ Black Cross Society, 1920
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Henrietta V. Davis, August 15, 1860 – 1941
African Nationalist, Educator, Elocutionist, Actress, Leader, and Diplomat
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Henrietta Vinton Davis, commonly referred to as Lady Davis within the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA), implemented and led auxiliaries, while serving as International Organizer. She established several branches and divisions of the Association in different parts of the world. Highly respected, Miss Davis imbued a spirit of dignity and pride within her people. She rose through the ranks of the movement and served in various capacities, including 1st and 4th Assistant President-General, Secretary-General, Director of the Black Star Line, Vice President of the Black Cross Navigation and Trading Company, to name a few.
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HISTORY OF THE BLACK CROSS NURSES
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Victorious as the International Organizer, Miss Davis, in 1920 established the first branch of the Black Cross Nurses in Philadelphia, Pa. At the first International Convention, August 1, 1920, represented by New York and Philadelphia’s nurses in parade, the Black Cross Nurses 200 strong, marched in unison, dawning all-white uniforms. From the Mississippi flood of 1927 under the direction of Mrs. R.J. Wall and the 1931 hurricane in Belize under the direction of Matron, Vivian Seay and Cleopatra White, the Black Cross Nurses were recognized by governments and widely respected within the Black community.
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PROGRAM
​Determined to address all related health issues domestically and internationally, the Black Cross Society is organized for the benefit of service to the community in general. The Black Cross Society’s intent is to provide the most comprehensive information through public forums, literature, and workshops regarding health, relief, and aide.
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MEMBERSHIP
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Membership is attained through the Marcus Garvey Society. Members are required to actively participate in the development of the Society and community. (Please see membership page to join
Membership Requirements: Must be age 18 or older of African descent, certified, licensed or attaining qualifications in health-related professions.
