National Council of Negro Women

National Council of Negro Women
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Name	National Council of Negro Women
Formation	1935
Founder	Mary McLeod Bethune
Location	Washington, D.C.

National Council of Negro Women. The organization was founded in 1935 by Mary McLeod Bethune, a renowned educator and civil rights activist, with the goal of promoting the welfare and rights of African American women. The council's establishment was a significant milestone in the Civil Rights Movement, as it brought together prominent women's organizations, including the National Association of Colored Women's Clubs and the National Council of Negro Women's Clubs, to advocate for the interests of African American women. The council's founding was also influenced by the work of other notable figures, such as W.E.B. Du Bois, Ida B. Wells, and Booker T. Washington.

● History

The National Council of Negro Women has a rich and storied history, dating back to the Great Depression era, when African American women faced significant challenges, including poverty, racism, and limited access to education and employment. The council's early years were marked by collaborations with other prominent organizations, such as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and the Urban League, to address issues like voting rights and desegregation. During World War II, the council played a crucial role in promoting the participation of African American women in the war effort, working closely with organizations like the Women's Army Corps and the Red Cross. The council also worked with notable figures, such as Eleanor Roosevelt, Langston Hughes, and Zora Neale Hurston, to advance the cause of civil rights.

● Organization

The National Council of Negro Women is a non-profit organization, headquartered in Washington, D.C., with a network of affiliates and sections across the United States. The council's structure includes a national board of directors, comprising prominent women leaders, such as Dorothy Height and Shirley Chisholm, who have played key roles in shaping the organization's agenda. The council also has a strong partnership with other organizations, including the National Organization for Women, the American Civil Liberties Union, and the NAACP, to advance the interests of African American women. Additionally, the council has worked with institutions like Howard University, Spelman College, and Tuskegee University to promote education and empowerment.

● Mission and Objectives

The National Council of Negro Women's mission is to promote the welfare and rights of African American women and their families, with a focus on education, health, and economic empowerment. The council's objectives include advocating for policies and programs that address the unique challenges faced by African American women, such as health disparities and economic inequality. The council also seeks to promote leadership development and capacity building among African American women, through initiatives like the National Council of Negro Women's Leadership Institute and partnerships with organizations like the Ford Foundation and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Furthermore, the council has worked with notable figures, such as Maya Angelou, Toni Morrison, and Oprah Winfrey, to promote literacy and cultural empowerment.

● Notable Members

The National Council of Negro Women has a long history of attracting prominent women leaders, including Shirley Chisholm, the first African American woman to be elected to Congress, and Dorothy Height, a renowned civil rights activist and former president of the council. Other notable members include Rosa Parks, Fannie Lou Hamer, and Coretta Scott King, who have all played significant roles in advancing the cause of civil rights and women's empowerment. The council has also honored notable women, such as Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, and Ida B. Wells, for their contributions to the struggle for equality and justice. Additionally, the council has recognized the achievements of women like Mae Jemison, Condoleezza Rice, and Michelle Obama, who have broken barriers in fields like science, politics, and education.

● Programs and Initiatives

The National Council of Negro Women has implemented a range of programs and initiatives to address the needs of African American women and their families. These include the National Council of Negro Women's Health Initiative, which focuses on addressing health disparities and promoting health equity, and the National Council of Negro Women's Education Initiative, which seeks to improve educational outcomes for African American girls and women. The council has also launched initiatives like the National Council of Negro Women's Economic Empowerment Program, which provides training and resources to support entrepreneurship and financial literacy among African American women. Furthermore, the council has partnered with organizations like the United Way and the Salvation Army to provide disaster relief and humanitarian aid to communities in need.

● Impact and Legacy

The National Council of Negro Women has had a profound impact on the lives of African American women and their families, through its advocacy, education, and empowerment initiatives. The council's legacy includes the advancement of civil rights and women's empowerment, as well as the promotion of education, health, and economic empowerment among African American women. The council's work has also inspired a new generation of women leaders, including Kamala Harris, Cory Booker, and Ayanna Pressley, who are continuing the fight for equality and justice. Additionally, the council has been recognized for its contributions to the Civil Rights Movement, alongside other notable organizations, such as the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. The council's impact has also been acknowledged by institutions like the Library of Congress, the National Archives, and the Smithsonian Institution, which have all recognized the council's significance in American history. Category:National Council of Negro Women