On Saturday, May 10, 2025, the intersection at Brielle Avenue and the Sea View Hospital Historic District in Staten Island was officially co-named Black Angels Way. This naming honors the courageous African-American nurses known as the Black Angels, who risked their lives to care for thousands of tuberculosis patients at Sea View Hospital around 70 years ago.
The Black Angels were a dedicated group of over 300 African-American nurses who bravely served at Sea View Hospital when tuberculosis was one of the deadliest diseases in New York City, causing 18% of all city deaths during its peak. Sea View Hospital, opened in 1913, specialized in treating tuberculosis patients and operated almost at double its intended capacity with nearly 2,000 patients at once.
Among the honored nurses were Virginia Allen and Curlene Jennings Bennett, two of the last living Black Angels who attended the street co-naming event. Virginia Allen shared that she started as a nurse's aide at age 16 and worked at Sea View from 1947 to 1958, dedicating much of her youth to saving lives. Curlene Jennings Bennett was the first Black nurse to graduate from the Bellevue School of Nursing and worked both at Sea View and Bellevue Hospitals.
Sea View Hospital was one of only four municipal hospitals in New York City that did not discriminate against Black nurses, providing critical opportunities for these nurses to serve on the front lines. Their bold commitment was recognized by public officials such as Rep. Nicole Malliotakis and local council members, who praised the Black Angels’ dedication despite the challenging social and health circumstances of that era.
The Black Angels played an essential role in pioneering tuberculosis care. From 1951 to 1952, nurses like Virginia Allen assisted Drs. Edward Robitzek and Irving Selikoff at Sea View Hospital in clinical trials of isoniazid—the first effective drug used to treat tuberculosis. This breakthrough has since saved tens of millions of lives worldwide.
This commemoration not only honors the Black Angels' selfless service but also raises awareness of their profound impact during a time when racial barriers were high, and tuberculosis was a fatal illness. Their legacy endures as an inspiring example of bravery, resilience, and progress in medical history.
By remembering the Black Angels and their lifesaving work at Sea View Hospital, Staten Island highlights a vital chapter in American healthcare and African-American history. This tribute ensures that the courage and commitment of these nurses will never be forgotten.
