Life in Boston, Massachusetts in the 1900s was extremely hard and tiring. Automobiles were beginning to appear on dirt roads, telephone service was beginning to find its way into the homes of the lucky few, while most of the population still lived without running water or electricity. Education generally went to white children, as African American schools had fewer books, poorly paid teachers, and school buildings in disrepair. Even though African Americans were no longer slaves, they were still treated as sub-citizens and fought for equality. Through this ongoing conflict, pioneers paved the way for future minorities to realize their dreams. One of these pioneers was Mary Eliza Mahoney, who became the first African American nurse trained in the United States. Mary Eliza Mahoney was born in Boston, Massachusetts to parents Charles and MaryJane Stewart in 1845. Although the actual date of her birth is unclear. , some historians know that it is April 16. Mary became interested in becoming a nurse when she was a teenager. It was this desire that led her to the New England Hospital for Women and Children in Roxy, Massachusetts. Even in the 1900s, when you started working for someone, you had to work your way up from the bottom, and that's exactly what Mary had to do. Some of her early responsibilities at the hospital included those of housekeeper, laundress, and cook. Then, in 1863, she was finally able to obtain a title of auxiliary nurse. Over the next 15 years, Mary worked hard at her position and truly enjoyed the fact that she was helping people and at the same time, she felt that she was truly a... middle of paper ... of a prestigious tomb. , but she felt it was her duty to honor him properly for his accomplishments. On September 1, 1984, she began restoring the tomb and providing a place for all MaryMahoney Award recipients, historians, professional nurses, and generations of the Mahoney family to properly honor this selfless pioneer who blazed the trail. for many people who have inspirations, dreams and goals that they can grasp and pass on to others for generations to come. ReferencesBrieske, J. (2011). Profile of a famous nurse Mary Eliza Mahoney. Retrieved from http://m.ajc.com/jobs/profile-of-a-famous-826951Hines, LD (nd). Making history: black nightingales. Retrieved from http://minoritynurse.comWessling, S. (n.d.). Eyes on the prize. Retrieved May 1, 2011 from http://www.minoritynurse.com