National Student Nurses Association Host 2026 Texas, Houston, Convention

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Patient Safety is the most fundamental aspect of medicine including clinical nursing practices.

National Student Nurses Association to Host 2026 Annual Convention in Houston

By Patricia N. McKenzie, RN

The National Student Nurses Association (NSNA) has announced that its 2026 Annual Convention will take place April 8–11, 2026, in Houston, Texas, bringing together thousands of nursing students from across the United States for education, leadership development, and national networking.

Often described as a major professional CONFAB for student nurses, the annual NSNA convention provides a national forum for future nurses to exchange ideas, explore career pathways, and gain practical skills essential for success in today’s healthcare environment.

A key highlight of the 2026 convention will be the keynote address by Dr. Kellie Bryant, DNP, WHNP, CHSE, FSSH, FADLN, FAAN, a nationally respected nursing professor and healthcare leader. Dr. Bryant is widely recognized for her contributions to women’s health, simulation-based education, nursing leadership, and professional development. As a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing and several other distinguished organizations, she has spent her career advancing excellence in nursing education and preparing the next generation of nurses for leadership and innovation in healthcare.

The NSNA Annual Convention is designed to offer both educational enrichment and professional exposure. Attendees will have access to a wide range of specialty nursing areas, interactive workshops, and educational sessions led by experienced nurse educators and healthcare professionals. These sessions are tailored to address current healthcare challenges and emerging trends in nursing practice.

One of the most anticipated features of the convention is the live NCLEX-RN Review, which provides students with evidence-based test-taking strategies, exam preparation guidance, and content reinforcement. Nursing students preparing for licensure will benefit from structured review sessions that aim to reduce exam anxiety while strengthening clinical reasoning skills.

It is crucial to be keen listener and at all times apply your critical thinking skills.

In addition to exam preparation, educational workshops will focus on leadership development, patient safety, mental health awareness, evidence-based practice, and professional communication. These sessions are designed to equip student nurses with the competencies needed to transition successfully from the classroom to clinical practice.

The convention also offers significant networking opportunities. Student nurses will have the chance to meet and engage with NSNA leadership, including members of the Board of Directors, the Nominating and Elections Committee, and the Chair of the Resolutions Committee. These interactions provide insight into nursing advocacy, organizational leadership, and opportunities for student involvement at the national level.

Beyond professional development, the event emphasizes collaboration and community. Nursing students from diverse backgrounds and institutions will connect, share experiences, and build professional relationships that often extend well beyond the convention.

Hosted in Houston, Texas, the 2026 NSNA Annual Convention combines education with an engaging conference environment, offering students the opportunity to learn, network, and enjoy one of the nation’s most dynamic cities.

The National Student Nurses Association Annual Convention continues to serve as a cornerstone event for nursing students, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to leadership, education, and the future of the nursing profession.

The Myth of the Black Ancestral Curse: How Religion Was Used To Justify Slavery!

Religion, Race, & the Psychological Legacy of Slavery!

The Myth of the Black Ancestral Curse: Religion, Race, and the Psychological Legacy of Slavery!

Norris R. McDonald, DIJ CRT, Author, Economic Journalist & Human Rights Activist 

Myth of the Black Ancestral Curse is a critical study of  phycological legacies of slavery and the role religion and race plays in reenforcing racist stereotypes. 

This book:

• Deconstructing the Curse of Ham, Colonial Lies, and the Struggle for Black Liberation
• How Slavery, Religion, and Myth Created Generational Trauma—and How We Break Free
• Unmasking Religious Racism and Reclaiming Black Spiritual Freedom

For centuries, Black people have been told that their suffering is divine punishment—ordained by God and passed down through a mythical “ancestral curse.”

In this powerful, eye-opening work, Norris R. McDonald, DIJ, dismantles one of the most enduring and damaging lies in Christian history: the so-called Curse of Ham. From the hymnals of colonial churches to the halls of modern academia, this myth has been used to justify slavery, colonization, and systemic racism.

With clarity, historical depth, and spiritual conviction, McDonald traces how scripture was distorted, how Black history was erased, and how liberation must begin with truth.

Drawing from the Bible, classical history, and Black theological thought, this short but impactful book challenges readers to confront religious indoctrination, reclaim their dignity, and break spiritual chains that have lasted for generations.
Whether you're a student of theology, an activist for racial justice, or a seeker of historical truth—The Myth of the Ancestral Curse will inspire, inform, and empower you.

The Myth of the Black Ancestral Curse is a bold and revelatory work that exposes how colonial powers distorted Christian doctrine to justify the enslavement of Black people. From the Curse of Ham to papal decrees that sanctioned genocide, Norris R. McDonald, DIJ dismantles centuries of theological manipulation and calls for spiritual truth, historical clarity, and psychological healing.

This book is a journey—from ancient African greatness to colonial oppression, from religious lies to liberation theology. A must-read for seekers of justice, students of history, and defenders of faith rooted in freedom.

We are not cursed. We are called.
The Myth of the Black Ancestral Curse is a bold and revelatory work that exposes how colonial powers distorted Christian doctrine to justify the enslavement of Black people. From the Curse of Ham to papal decrees that sanctioned genocide, Norris R. McDonald, DIJ dismantles centuries of theological manipulation and calls for spiritual truth, historical clarity, and psychological healing.

This book is a journey—from ancient African greatness to colonial oppression, from religious lies to liberation theology. A must-read for seekers of justice, students of history, and defenders of faith rooted in freedom.

Titled ‘The Myth of the Black Ancestral Curse: Religion, Race and the Psychological Legacies of Slavery’, this provocative and deeply researched essay confronts the historical and spiritual abuse of sacred texts that helped legitimise slavery, colonialism, and systemic racism.

“This is more than a critique – it is an act of intellectual liberation,” McDonald said. “The myth of a divine curse on Black people is not just false – it was fabricated to justify mass atrocities and to psychologically shackle generations of African descendants.”

The book pays special tribute to Professor Sheldon ‘Uwezo’ McDonald, a Caribbean legal scholar and revolutionary whose life and work inspired this essay. Drawing from Caribbean history, Pan-African philosophy, and biblical critique, McDonald examines how European empires - backed by religious institutions - constructed a theology of racial inferiority that lingers today in both church and state.

BOOK REVIEW: JAMAICA GLEANER
‘The Myth of the Black Ancestral Curse’

Norris R McDonald’s new book dismantles dangerous religious myth used to justify slavery and colonialism

“Our ancestors were never cursed – they were targeted. And now it is time to reclaim the truth.”

A powerful new work by Jamaican author and public intellectual Norris R. McDonald, DIJ, is taking aim at one of the most insidious and enduring lies used to oppress Black people across the globe: the so-called Black Ancestral Curse.

KEY TOPICS EXPLORED:

• The origins and misuse of the so-called “Curse of Ham” doctrine

• How religious institutions gave moral cover to slavery and colonisation

• The psychological legacy of spiritual indoctrination in Black communities

• Resistance through Rastafari, Maroon heritage, and African spirituality

• A poetic invocation of liberation in the included poem ‘DRUMS’

• A moving tribute to Prof. Sheldon ‘Uwezo’ McDonald and his legacy

“This essay is a celebration of Black excellence and a call to reject inherited shame,” McDonald noted. “Our ancestors were never cursed – they were targeted. And now it is time to reclaim the truth.”

Published by Afro Caribbean Riddims via Amazon KDP, ‘The Myth of the Black Ancestral Curse: Religion, Race, and the Psychological Legacies of Slavery’ is available now in paperback and eBook on Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)

About the author

Norris R. McDonald, DIJ, CRT, is a storyteller, cultural researcher, wordsmith and poet from the heart of Jamaica. His work blends humor, history, and heritage to preserve the vibrant spirit of the Caribbean. With a voice as powerful as Granny’s slap and a pen dipped in sweet potato pudding, McDonald brings island folklore to life for readers across generations and continents. Norris is an Author, Respiratory Therapist and Economic Journalist who writes public commentary. features for the Jamaica Gleaner. He writes on critical issues regarding Political Economics, Health Care & Public Policies, Black Culture and, World Affairs.

Michael Jackson's Outstanding Legacy Uplifts Black Culture, Music and Arts!

Michael Jackson was inducted in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame twice. He has won 13 Grammy Awards, including 8 for the album, Triller

* Michael has won 13 Grammy Awards, including 8 for the album Triller.

* He has been twice inducted in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Black assertiveness in language, literature, politics, music and the arts was among the highpoint of the 1960’s and 1970s in white, racist, segregated America.

The musical maestro and Black icon broke down the oppressive segregated barriers of music in racist White America in the 1960. This was when black people did not even have the right to vote. After achieving success Michael’s participated social struggle by way of speaking up to corporate America for the rights of other black artistes. Michael Jackson’s iconic musical achievements includes winning 13 Grammy Awards, including 8 for his albumTriller.

By Norris R McDonald Sulfabittas News (modified)

Michael Jackson’s rise to fame, as a Blackman, is therefore, of historical significance, given the oppressive social milieu in America.

“I am black and I am proud,” James Brown shouted. Therefore music was another political and cultural arena of battle in the 1960s.

The evolving political ethos of the 1960s was characterized by the Black civil rights struggle. This was a period when dogs were being set on black people: when those who stood up for justice were being killed.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jnr. was the leader of the overall social justices fight. However here, without losing sight of the broad socio-political context, we are focussing on Michael Jackson. as an iconic, musical maestro, who became a Black trail-blazer.

Michael Jackson became a bright star. He was, like many others, in his own way, a lighthouse shining the glorious potentials of Black people fighting to affirm human dignity.

Michael Jackson’s contribution to the Black civil rights movement was in various forms. As is recorded here by one writer on FanPop.com …

“Like his predecessors, Sammy Davis, Jr. and Sam Cooke, Michael took part in the movement as a Civil Rights activist speaking on behalf of other black recording artists.”

Given this perverse reality, various nefarious, diabolical schemes were used to keep Black folks at the bottom of the political, social and economic ladder.

It was out of this ethos, this boiling pot of cultural and social ferment, that Michael Jackson emerged to become a masterful musical messenger. 

The Jackson 5 rose to the top in a racist era of the 1967 when Emmet Till and many others were killed for their natural given rights. Michael Jackson and his siblings, Jackie, Randy, Tito and Jermaine contribution to music is exemplary. Janet, Latoya, Rebbie and JohVonnie complete the Jackson family. Janet Jackson went on to have a stellar music career.

In music, therefore as artistes, —- by becoming endeared in the hearts, mind and soul of America —- their achievements helped to shatter the myths and racist stereotypes imposed on Black people.

Their success undoubtedly help breakdown political social, cultural and racial barriers.

Michael was caught up in the tidal waves, crashing against the brutal seawalls of injustice. His successes, through his music, helped to strengthen Black pride and dignity. All successes were saluted; all pain was shared.

This was the same spirit that drove Frederick Douglas, Sojourner Truth, Marcus Garvey, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, Bob Marley, among others, to become true Black Lighthouse keepers; to help us see our way out of darkness and spiritual despair. 

Despite oppressive conditions, in sports ‘n’ arts, music and other ares of life, Black people’s spirit could not be crushed.

Michael Jackson’s excellence is unchallengeable. His musical and artistic achievements are legendary.

Michael Jackson’s achievements includes:

• * He opened doors for other black artistes on radio and TV.

• * Billions of people worldwide have been influenced by his music, songs and performances.

• Michael Jackson has made a tremendous, perhaps unrivaled, contributed to the elevation of black self-esteem, especially in the younger generation.

Michael Jackson visited the People’s Republic of China in 1987, but although he never performed there, his spirit lives on among the younger generation.

Wang Jingyuan is a Chinese musical aficionado who has been imitating Michael Jackson for many years.

Wang Jingyuan is a Chinese fan with his ‘life-like’ Michael Jackson performances. (As seen in his YouTube video above). And it is in this sense, we see that Michael’s spirit is alive among fan’s worldwide.

Despite, the painful tragedies of Michael Jackson’ life, and his sudden demise, doesn't take anything from the black legendary, King of Pop culture.

Michael Jackson, The King of Pop Culture
 

People of all races, culture, religion, ethnic and social background have embrace Michael Jackson.

Michael Jackson helped to desegregate music and culture in America.

Rolling Stone Magazine called Michael Jack “a black superhero” as they paid tribute to his contribution to world music and culture.

“In death, his songs have been liberated from his eccentricities like ghosts released from a haunted mansion, free again to fly through the air and spread joy,” Rolling Stone Magazine said.

Michael Jackson was an exemplary artiste who despite any limitations, demonstrated his love and compassion for people, the arts and the environment.

Despite the tragedies, at the end of his career, clearly, there is no equal to Michael Jackson, in terms of his creative genius as a song writer, choreographer, singer, and iconic, legendary performer.