Mabel Keaton Staupers was a pioneering African American nurse and healthcare advocate who made significant contributions to the field of nursing and health equity in the United States. Born in Barbados in 1890, Staupers immigrated to the United States in 1917 and quickly became involved in the nursing profession.

Staupers is best known for her leadership in advocating for the integration of African American nurses into the American Nurses Association (ANA) during the early 20th century. At the time, segregation and discrimination barred African American nurses from membership in the ANA and limited their opportunities for advancement in the nursing profession.

Staupers was instrumental in organizing the National Association of Colored Graduate Nurses (NACGN) in 1908, which provided support and advocacy for African American nurses. Through her tireless efforts and advocacy, Staupers was able to successfully lobby the ANA to lift its racial barriers and allow African American nurses to join the organization in 1948.

In addition to her work on nursing integration, Staupers also played a vital role in addressing racial disparities in health care and promoting greater opportunities for African American nurses in the field. She served as the executive secretary of the NACGN for over 30 years and was a strong advocate for racial equality and social justice in healthcare.

Mabel Keaton Staupers' legacy continues to inspire generations of nurses and healthcare advocates to advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the field of nursing. Her contributions to the nursing profession and the fight for racial equality have left a lasting impact on healthcare in the United States.