Mabel Keaton Staupers was a pioneering Black nurse and healthcare advocate who made significant contributions to the nursing profession and the advancement of Black healthcare professionals in the United States. Born in 1890 in Barbados, Staupers immigrated to the United States in 1917 and began working as a nurse in New York City.

Staupers became a prominent figure in the fight for racial equality in nursing during a time when Black nurses faced discrimination and limited opportunities for education and professional advancement. She was a key leader in the campaign to end segregation in the American Nursing Association (ANA) in the 1940s, pushing for equal rights and opportunities for Black nurses.

Staupers also played a critical role in advocating for more opportunities for Black nurses to serve in the U.S. military during World War II. She successfully lobbied the Army Nurse Corps to accept Black nurses, paving the way for the integration of the nursing profession.

Throughout her career, Mabel Keaton Staupers worked tirelessly to improve healthcare access and quality for Black communities. Her advocacy and leadership helped to break down racial barriers in nursing and paved the way for future generations of Black healthcare professionals. Staupers' legacy continues to inspire and empower Black nurses and healthcare advocates to this day.