Dallas County Health Department Honors Trailblazing Nurse

During Black History Month, the Dallas County Health Department will honor a living legend and the first African American nurse to work there. The Vera Jenkins Booker Community Room will be dedicated at 10 a.m. on Friday, February 13, 2026.

"Mrs. Vera Booker was a trailblazer in the healthcare profession. She was the first African American nurse at the health department. She inspired many nurses, especially coming from a

marginalized community, and let them know that they can be nurses and they can be professionals, and they can be concerned about the health of their communities," said Sen. Robert Stewart (D-Selma).

After joining the Dallas County Health Department, Mrs. Booker, who will turn 90 years old this year, dedicated her career to improving the health and well-being of all residents, especially during times when access to healthcare for African Americans was severely limited.

"The dedication of the Vera Booker Community Room honors a legacy of service, courage, and commitment. Vera Booker broke barriers as one of the first African American nurses at the Dallas County Health Department and provided compassionate care during pivotal moments in our history," said State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris, M.D. "This room will stand as a place for gathering, learning, and collaboration for future generations, representing the enduring impact of one dedicated public health professional on an entire community."

Prior to joining the health department, Mrs. Booker worked as a nurse at Good Samaritan Hospital during the 1960s. In fact, she was the nurse supervisor on duty on February 18, 1965, the night Jimmie Lee Jackson was admitted after being shot during a voting rights protest in Marion, Ala. Sen. Stewarts' grandmother, Lula Edwards, also was a nurse on duty that night.

Mrs. Booker oversaw his care for eight days before his death, which was the spark that lite the flame for the Selma to Montgomery March of 1965, which eventually lead to the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

"Her family asked for this to happen because, we have to remember those ordinary Americans that really made a difference and opened doors for future generations," said Sen. Stewart. "This is a full-circle moment. She was a nurse during the pivotal moments during the Civil Rights Era. I am here because of her efforts. She's turning 90 this year."

The Dallas County Health Department is located at 100 Samuel O. Moseley Drive, Selma, Ala., 36701.

kirsten.barnes@alsenate.gov