National Council of Negro Women, Inc.

The National Council of Negro Women, Inc. (NCNW) is a prominent nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting social justice, civil rights, and the advancement of African American women. Founded on December 5, 1935, by Mary McLeod Bethune, the NCNW serves as an umbrella organization, uniting various groups to enhance the leadership and opportunities for black women.

Founding and Purpose

Mary McLeod Bethune established the NCNW with the support of leaders from 28 notable black women's organizations. The organization's inception was a response to the need for a unified voice for African American women, addressing both national and international concerns. Bethune envisioned the NCNW as a cohesive body that would express the concerns and beliefs of African American women in national and international affairs.

Historical Impact

During the 1930s, the NCNW focused on advocating for the rights and needs of black women and children, particularly in the context of the New Deal programs under Franklin D. Roosevelt's presidency. In 1938, the NCNW hosted a significant conference at the White House, bringing together influential black women leaders and members of the Roosevelt administration to lobby for increased government support for African Americans.

In the 1940s, the NCNW extended its efforts to include campaigns to desegregate the armed forces and support women globally during World War II. The organization played a pivotal role in the acceptance of African American women into the Women’s Army Corps (WAC) and advocated for U.S. participation in the United Nations.

After Mary McLeod Bethune's retirement in 1949, subsequent leaders, including Dorothy Boulding Ferebee, Vivian Carter Mason, and notably Dorothy Irene Height (president from 1957 to 1998), further expanded the organization's influence. Under Height's leadership, the NCNW became a major force in the Civil Rights Movement, supporting legislation like the Civil Rights and Voting Rights Acts.

Activities and Initiatives

The NCNW has continued to promote civil rights, education, employment opportunities, and historical preservation. Key initiatives include:

• Education and Training Programs: Providing job training for low-income black women and youth development programs.
• Community Services: Focusing on issues such as youth violence, teenage pregnancy, drug abuse, and elderly care.
• Archives and Preservation: Historically maintaining archives to document the history and achievements of African American women.
• International Outreach: Engaging in activities in selected African nations.

The NCNW operates with a grassroots approach, organizing events like the Black Family Reunion Celebrations and maintaining centers dedicated to empowering African American women, including the Dorothy I. Height Leadership Institute.

Legacy

Today, the National Council of Negro Women remains a vital force in advancing opportunities and improving the quality of life for African American women and their communities. Its legacy reflects the impactful leadership of Mary McLeod Bethune and her successors, contributing significantly to social justice and women's rights in the United States.