The professional imagery of the nurse in the United States is historically representative Western-European, White women who have been socialized to believe that the views and principles of the dominant culture are applicable to all patients and nurses of other cultural backgrounds. The biased perspectives of the majority have helped to shape the profession for hundreds of years. Historically, Black students were banned from entering the same programs of nursing as Whites and White nurses did not accept their Black counterparts as equals, but viewed Black nurses as inferior, lacking intelligence and sound judgment. Within the last 20 years, White nurses continue to dominate the profession and the hierarchy of nursing leadership. Although the representation of Blacks and other minorities in nursing has increased, discrimination is still prevalent in the workforce.

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In the recent literature, Black nurses have described feeling isolated, overlooked, and in some instances overworked due to the inequitable distribution of patient care in comparison to their White counterparts. Black nurses felt disregarded by physicians and other healthcare providers, citing that their opinions are not sought after as readily as their White colleagues. Black nurses also reported that they were denied opportunities for career development and advancement and feeling as if they were not compensated fairly.

Furthermore, the need for mentorship, especially from successful leaders of the same racial or ethnic background, was a recurrent theme. In addition, the lead governing bodies within healthcare and the nursing profession, acknowledge the need for increased diversity as a means of improving patient care and eliminating health disparities. It is this historical and current context from which the inspiration for the creation of LEBN was formed.