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 with the goal of advancing the rights and interests of African American women. The organization has played a significant role in the US Civil Rights Movement, working to promote civil rights, women's rights, and social justice. Through its various programs and initiatives, the NCNW has worked to empower African American women and promote their full participation in society. The organization has also worked closely with other prominent civil rights organizations, including the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC).

● History of

the National Council of Negro Women The National Council of Negro Women was founded in 1935 by Mary McLeod Bethune, a prominent African American educator and activist. At the time, African American women faced significant barriers to equality, including racism, sexism, and poverty. The NCNW was established to address these issues and promote the rights and interests of African American women. The organization quickly grew, with chapters established across the United States. The NCNW also established relationships with other prominent civil rights organizations, including the National Urban League and the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE). During World War II, the NCNW played a significant role in promoting the participation of African American women in the war effort, including their recruitment into the Women's Army Corps.

● Founding and Mission

The founding of the National Council of Negro Women was motivated by a desire to promote the rights and interests of African American women. The organization's mission was to "advance the interests of African American women and their families" and to "promote the full participation of African American women in society". The NCNW's founding was also influenced by the National Council of Women of the United States, which had been established in 1889. The NCNW's founders, including Mary McLeod Bethune and Dorothy Height, were inspired by the work of earlier African American women's organizations, such as the National Association of Colored Women's Clubs. The NCNW's mission has remained consistent over the years, with a focus on promoting civil rights, women's rights, and social justice.

● Role

in the US Civil Rights Movement The National Council of Negro Women played a significant role in the US Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s. The organization worked closely with other prominent civil rights organizations, including the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). The NCNW also supported the work of prominent civil rights leaders, including Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks. In 1963, the NCNW participated in the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his famous I Have a Dream speech. The NCNW also supported the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which were landmark legislation in the US Civil Rights Movement.

● Notable Members and Leaders

The National Council of Negro Women has had many notable members and leaders over the years. Mary McLeod Bethune was the organization's founder and first president, serving from 1935 to 1949. Dorothy Height was another prominent leader, serving as president from 1957 to 1998. Other notable members have included Shirley Chisholm, Barbara Jordan, and Coretta Scott King. The NCNW has also honored the work of prominent African American women, including Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman, and Ida B. Wells. The organization has also worked with other prominent civil rights organizations, including the National Organization for Women (NOW) and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).

● Programs and Initiatives

The National Council of Negro Women has established a range of programs and initiatives to promote the rights and interests of African American women. The organization has worked to promote education and job training, including the establishment of scholarships and mentorship programs. The NCNW has also worked to promote health and wellness, including the establishment of health clinics and health education programs. The organization has also worked to promote voter registration and civic engagement, including the establishment of voter registration drives and get-out-the-vote campaigns. The NCNW has also partnered with other organizations, including the National Coalition of 100 Black Women and the Black Women's Agenda, to promote the interests of African American women.

● Impact and Legacy

The National Council of Negro Women has had a significant impact on the US Civil Rights Movement and the lives of African American women. The organization has worked to promote civil rights, women's rights, and social justice, and has established a range of programs and initiatives to support the empowerment of African American women. The NCNW has also worked to promote the participation of African American women in the political process, including the establishment of voter registration drives and get-out-the-vote campaigns. The organization's legacy continues to be felt today, with many African American women leaders and organizations drawing on the NCNW's work and legacy. The NCNW has also been recognized for its contributions to the US Civil Rights Movement, including the awarding of the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Dorothy Height in 1998. Category:US Civil Rights Movement Category:African American organizations Category:Women's organizations