On January 24, 2026, a powerful legacy took root in Northeast Florida with the official installation of the Jacksonville, Florida Chapter of the National Association of Black Military Women (NABMW). The ceremony marked a historic milestone as 22 founding members were formally sworn in at a ceremony at the Wounded Warrior Project, extending the organization’s mission to preserve, honor, and elevate the contributions of Black women in military service within one of the nation’s most military-dense cities.
As the second NABMW chapter in Florida, Jacksonville expands the organization’s footprint in the Southeast, connecting national military history with local leadership, service, and empowerment.
The establishment of the Jacksonville chapter creates a vital platform to honor that legacy while supporting women veterans through education, mentorship, advocacy, and community engagement. Throughout Jacksonville’s military history, Black military women have served with distinction—often quietly, and too often without recognition—making significant contributions to military readiness, leadership, and community strength across Northeast Florida. Many served as senior enlisted leaders and officers at Naval Station Mayport and Naval Air Station Jacksonville during the post-Vietnam and Gulf War eras, holding critical roles in logistics, aviation support, administration, and medical readiness—fields essential to operational effectiveness.
The NABMW was founded in 1976 to ensure the history, service, and sacrifices of Black military women are preserved and recognized. “NABMW is more than an organization to me, it is a sisterhood of strength, a legacy of service, and a place where our stories, sacrifices, and triumphs are honored with dignity and pride. I am reminded that my journey, my voice, and my calling are part of something greater than myself,”said Jacqueline Moise, Retired Navy 2016, Vice President, NABMW, Jacksonville, Fl.
The foundation of women’s military service dates back to World War II with the establishment of the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) in 1942, later formalized as the Women’s Army Corps (WAC) in 1943. These trailblazing women served in essential roles that proved women were critical to military readiness and national defense. For Black women, service came with the added weight of segregation and discrimination. Despite these barriers, they served with excellence and resilience, laying the groundwork for future generations of women in uniform.