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
Type	Non-profit organization
Purpose	To advance the rights and interests of African American women
Headquarters	Washington, D.C.

National Council of Negro Women

The National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) is a non-profit organization founded in 1935 by Mary McLeod Bethune, a renowned African American educator and activist. The organization's primary objective is to advance the rights and interests of African American women, with a focus on education, healthcare, and economic empowerment. As a key player in the US Civil Rights Movement, the NCNW has worked tirelessly to promote social justice and equality for all. Through its various programs and initiatives, the organization has collaborated with other prominent civil rights groups, including the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC).

● History and Founding

The National Council of Negro Women was founded in 1935 by Mary McLeod Bethune, who served as the organization's first president. The idea for the NCNW was born out of a meeting between Bethune and other prominent African American women, including Eleanor Roosevelt and Dorothy Height. The organization's early years were marked by a focus on education and community development, with an emphasis on empowering African American women to take leadership roles in their communities. The NCNW also worked closely with other civil rights organizations, including the National Urban League and the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE). During the 1940s and 1950s, the NCNW played a key role in promoting voting rights and desegregation, working alongside notable figures such as Thurgood Marshall and Martin Luther King Jr..

● Mission and Objectives

The National Council of Negro Women's mission is to advance the rights and interests of African American women, with a focus on education, healthcare, and economic empowerment. The organization's objectives include promoting social justice and equality for all, as well as empowering African American women to take leadership roles in their communities. The NCNW also seeks to address the unique challenges faced by African American women, including racism, sexism, and poverty. To achieve its objectives, the NCNW works with a range of partners, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and community groups. The organization has also collaborated with prominent individuals, such as Shirley Chisholm and Barbara Jordan, to advance its mission.

● Civil Rights Activism and Advocacy

The National Council of Negro Women has a long history of civil rights activism and advocacy, dating back to the 1940s and 1950s. The organization played a key role in promoting voting rights and desegregation, working alongside notable figures such as Thurgood Marshall and Martin Luther King Jr.. The NCNW also participated in major civil rights events, including the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom and the Selma to Montgomery Marches. In addition, the organization has worked to address issues such as police brutality, mass incarceration, and voter suppression, collaborating with groups like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation. The NCNW has also been a strong advocate for reproductive rights and women's health, working with organizations such as Planned Parenthood and the National Black Women's Health Project.

● Notable Members and Leaders

The National Council of Negro Women has a long history of notable members and leaders, including Mary McLeod Bethune, Dorothy Height, and Shirley Chisholm. Other prominent members have included Rosa Parks, Fannie Lou Hamer, and Coretta Scott King. The organization's current president is Janice Mathis, who has continued the NCNW's tradition of advocacy and activism. The NCNW has also honored notable individuals, such as Nelson Mandela and Angela Davis, for their contributions to social justice and human rights. The organization has also recognized the work of other prominent civil rights groups, including the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and the Black Panther Party.

● Programs and Initiatives

The National Council of Negro Women operates a range of programs and initiatives, including the NCNW Sectional Leadership Training Program and the NCNW National Convention. The organization also offers scholarships and fellowships to African American women, as well as mentorship and leadership development programs. In addition, the NCNW has launched initiatives such as the NCNW Health and Wellness Program and the NCNW Economic Empowerment Program, which focus on addressing the unique challenges faced by African American women. The organization has also partnered with other groups, such as the National Association of Social Workers and the American Psychological Association, to provide mental health and social services to African American communities.

● Impact on

the US Civil Rights Movement The National Council of Negro Women has had a significant impact on the US Civil Rights Movement, working to promote social justice and equality for all. The organization's advocacy and activism have helped to advance voting rights, desegregation, and reproductive rights, among other issues. The NCNW has also played a key role in empowering African American women to take leadership roles in their communities, helping to build a more just and equitable society. The organization's work has been recognized by prominent civil rights leaders, including Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks, who have praised the NCNW's commitment to social justice and human rights. The NCNW has also collaborated with other notable organizations, such as the National Organization for Women (NOW) and the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO), to advance its mission.

● Challenges and Controversies

Despite its many achievements, the National Council of Negro Women has faced challenges and controversies over the years. The organization has struggled with funding and resource constraints, which have limited its ability to carry out its programs and initiatives. The NCNW has also faced criticism for its perceived lack of transparency and accountability, with some members and supporters calling for greater democratization and participation. In addition, the organization has navigated complex relationships with other civil rights groups, including the NAACP and the SCLC. Despite these challenges, the NCNW remains a vital and important organization, committed to advancing the rights and interests of African American women and promoting social justice and equality for all. The organization continues to work with other prominent groups, such as the Human Rights Campaign and the National Council of La Raza, to address the unique challenges faced by African American communities.