This spring, I’m preparing for a journey that feels both personal and historic. On April 14, 2026, I’ll travel to Greensboro, North Carolina to explore the life and legacy of my mother’s aunt, Mattie Donnell Hicks, an Army Nurse Corps officer whose service helped shape a powerful chapter of African American military and medical history. As I plan my visit to the University of North Carolina Greensboro — where her uniform, documents, and Veterans Legacy materials are preserved — I’ve been reflecting on the many roles she held: nurse, soldier, trailblazer, and family pillar.
To honor her story, I created a two‑poster exhibition set that captures the different sides of her service. The first poster draws on the bold, patriotic style of 1940s wartime recruitment art, highlighting her laboratory work and the essential role nurses played in strengthening the nation. The second poster takes on a quieter, museum‑style tone, presenting her in uniform with the dignity and grace she carried throughout her life. Together, these pieces form a tribute not only to Aunt Mattie, but to the generations of African American nurses whose contributions often went unrecognized.
As I prepare to walk through the archives, visit the home she built after her Army career, explore Greensboro’s culture (including a few vegan spots), and continue my family research in Guilford County, these posters serve as a reminder of why this trip matters. It’s a chance to stand where she stood, learn what she lived, and carry her story forward with the respect it deserves.
To be continued..
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