Proud to support the NCNW 61 st National Convention.
ON THE COVER:
President and CEO Shavon Arline-Bradley join civil rights leaders on stage during the Democratic National Convention in Chicago to honor Rev. Jessie Jackson, Sr., founder and former president of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, August 19, 2024. (PHOTO COURTESY OF THE DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION.)
Civil rights leaders during the Black Global Economic Forum panel discussion at Essence Festival in New Orleans July 4, 2024. PICTURE (l-r): Rev. Al Sharpton, Founder and President, National Action Network; Marc Morial, President and CEO, National Urban League; Ron Busby, President and CEO, U.S. Black Chambers; Shavon Arline Bradley, President and CEO, NCNW; Melanie Campell, President and CEO, National Coalition on Black Civic Participation.
Dr. A. Lois Keith, NCNW National Chair, with DMV-area members during the Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune 50th Anniversary Statue Rededication in Washington, DC July 13, 2024.
We remain called to leading the way in improving the lives and livelihoods of women of African descent. “ ”
Message from the Chair
Greetings NCNW Sisters,
As we approach the first convention of the New Era, we are seeing the fruits of our labor begin to bloom. There are so many good things in store for NCNW, and we are only seeing the beginning of what this time will bring for our indelible organization.
I remain proud of each and every one of our members, affiliates, and supporters for keeping the noble name of NCNW true to our mission. As we make our mark in the New Era, the balance of maintaining our organizational identity as we are exposed to new audiences lets me know that we, as a collective membership, remain called to leading the way in improving the lives and livelihoods of women of African descent, our families, and our communities.
This summer season has been a special one for Black women in the United States, marked with many significant moments, from the 50th anniversary celebration of the unveiling of the statue of our founder, Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, to the street designation for our second President and Chair, Dr. Dorothy Boulding Ferebee, to an NCNW member, Vice President Kamala Harris, being the first Black woman to be selected as nominee for President of the United States by a major political party. At this same time, however, many of our sisters remain in need. My heart continues to go out to the family of Sonya Massey, as she should still be with us today. This vastness of Black women’s experiences speak to the everpressing needs for an organization like ours and why our work must continue. I look forward to taking up that business at our 61st National Convention in Baltimore, Maryland.
Until then, please enjoy this latest issue of SISTERS Magazine. I cannot wait to see you all in Baltimore!
Sincerely,
Dr. A. Lois Keith National Board Chair, NCNW
Message from the President
Even as we have so much work to do, we also have so much to celebrate. “ ”
Greetings NCNW Sisters,
We are on the precipice of the NCNW 61st National Convention, and there are so many exciting things in store for this convention. We can’t wait to meet you in Baltimore to tend to the business of NCNW.
This summer has been a busy one for NCNW. We have launched our Eight-State/All State Strategy for Get Out The Vote (GOTV) and continue to be at the table for critical decisions at the White House and in Congress, including the work to restore the Voting Rights Act and the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. We continue to monitor the landscape and support the needs of our community, including navigating the affordable internet landscape post-ACP, vaccinating our families, and promoting gun violence awareness. This is particularly significant as we stand in solidarity with the family of Sonya Massey and advocate on all fronts for Black women, their families and their communities to be protected from excessive policing.
Even as we have so much work to do, we also have so much to celebrate. Much of my summer has been spent on the ground visiting our sections, our affiliate organizations, and other legacy civil rights organizations at their conferences, boules, and conventions. I continue to be impressed with the way that NCNW and our affiliates are able to rise for every occasion. It is remarkable to see in our lifetime that an NCNW member, Vice President Kamala Harris, has not only received the democratic nomination for President of the United States, but also recognizes the power of organizations on the national stage. Even as a non-partisan organization, it has been an honor for us all to witness this historical moment.
Regardless of the outcome of the 2024 Presidential election, it will likely be the defining one of our lifetimes. Let’s do our part to get out the vote and continue to make history as we gather for first convention of the New Era in October. I am looking forward to seeing each of you in Baltimore!
Sincerely,
Shavon Arline-Bradley President and CEO
50th Anniversary of
THE MARY MCLEOD MEMORIAL
On Saturday, July 13, NCNW partnered with the National Park Service to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Mary McLeod Bethune Memorial statue unveiling in Lincoln Park in Washington, D.C. The event was a poignant celebration of Bethune’s enduring legacy and her impact on education and civil rights, drawing over 500 attendees.
BETHUNE STATUE
BY FARIDAH BURNETT
Dr. A. Lois Keith, NCNW National Chair, and members of NCNW celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Statue Rededication at Lincoln Park in Washington, D.C. July 13, 2024.
Dr. A. Lois Keith, NCNW National Chair and The Honorable Muriel Bowser, Mayor of Washington, D.C. during the Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Memorial 50th Anniversary program in Washington, D.C. July 13, 2024.
The ceremony was led by Mistress of Ceremonies Jotaka Eaddy, Founder and CEO of Full Circle Strategies. Dr. A. Lois Keith, NCNW National Chair, gave a heartwarming introduction and speech during the unveiling. Attendees heard from distinguished speakers such as the Honorable Muriel Bowser, Mayor of Washington, D.C.; Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), and D.C. City Council Chair Phil Mendelson.
The rededication ceremony mirrored the original 1974 program and included a reading from the Washington School for Girls of Mrs. Bethune’s Last Will and Testament. The Bethune-Cookman University Choir
Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Mayor Muriel Bowser, and other local leaders join Dr. A. Lois Keith, National Chair, in unveiling the Mary McLeod Bethune statue for the second time.
delivered a rousing performance immediately preceding the unveiling of the historic statue.
Following the formal ceremony, festivities continued throughout the evening. DC Strings kicked off the performances, playing renditions of Michael Jackson and Prince songs that energized the audience. Actress Leslie Jones portrayed Mary McLeod Bethune while delivering excerpts from her most famous speeches, highlighting key moments of her life. Embracing the spirit of the 1970s while giving attendees the opportunity to relive the original statue dedication, “The Tribe Band” created a nostalgic atmosphere by performing R&B and funk music.
The event also featured personalized tours led by park rangers and displayed a spread of tables where attendees could learn about NCNW and other pertinent organizations. The tour included a special “Legacy Lane” where visitors were able to take a deep dive into the history and contributions of Mary McLeod Bethune, NCNW, and the historic 1974 memorial unveiling.
This 50th anniversary rededication of the Bethune Memorial was not only a tribute to a pioneering leader and the founder of NCNW, but also a vibrant community gathering that honored her legacy and inspired future generations.
PICTURED (l-r): Park Ranger Tara Morrison, Superintendent, National Capital Parks; Dr. A. Lois Keith, National Chair; Dr. Alotta Taylor, NCNW Board Member, following the Bethune Statue Rededication.
NCNW attends the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, August 19 – 22, 2024.
NCNW Making Its Mark at the DNC
BY TONITA PERRY
The National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) has been in full swing advancing its advocacy and policy agenda for Black women this election year. This summer, the organization sought to be more targeted in its efforts by attending both the Republican National Convention (RNC) in June and the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in August. While the RNC did not approve the staff’s application to attend, NCNW was approved by the DNC to attend the convention August 19 – 22, in Chicago.
At the DNC, President and CEO Shavon Arline-Bradley served as the featured speaker for the DNC Caucus Worship Service and DNC Black Caucus Meeting and a panelist for the NAACP’s “All In: The Black Voters Democracy Forum” and the National Urban League’s “The Time is NOW: How Civil Rights Organizations Continue to Defend Democracy, Demand Diversity, and Defeat Poverty in 2024 and Beyond” panel. In addition, NCNW co-hosted a “Unity Gathering,” a non-partisan GOTV strategy event.
There were many highlights while at the convention to include the many celebrity sightings and politicos that grace the television nightly and weekends. One of the most memorable was to see the DNC headed by Black women for which two are members of NCNW, Minyon Moore, chair of the 2024 Democratic National Convention, and Bishop Leah Daughtry, co-chair of the Rules Committee for the 2024 Democratic National Convention.
Shavon Arline-Bradley, NCNW President and CEO, speaks to the press regarding the importance of Black women voters in the 2024 General Election.
The convention started with a tribute to Rev. Jessie Jackson, founder and former president of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, for his tireless work for civil rights and social justice. The tribute film featured NCNW President & CEO Arline-Bradley. President Joe Biden officially passing the torch laid the groundwork for completing the assignment. No one will forget the roll call heard around the world, with Lil Jon stealing the show for Georgia to officially cast their delegate votes for Vice President Kamala Harris to be the Democratic nominee for president. The Obamas and Oprah Winfrey gave moving speeches to give the crowd in the United Center and at home their charge to get out to vote, as well as potential vice president, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, allowing us to see how respected and loved he is by his family. Nothing compared to the history-making moment, when NCNW member, Vice President Harris, accepted the nomination to be the presidential candidate for the Democratic Party. She then became the first Black woman to accomplish this after the first attempt of Shirley Chilsom in 1972 and Carol Mosley Braun in 2004.
The focus for President and CEO Arline-Bradley, along with NCNW General Counsel Janice Mathis and NCNW Vice President of Advocacy and Policy Portia White, was the NCNW Eight-State/All-State Strategy initiative which they shared with major media outlets, social media influencers, nonprofit groups, congressional leaders and activists. This strategy is dedicated to getting Black women, a consistent and vital voting block, and youth, ages 17-24, to the polls in eight low propensity voter states, as well as 33 states where NCNW membership is active.
NCNW, a 501(C)(3) organization, is never partisan in terms of supporting candidates, but they are advocates of making sure their membership, their families and communities, are fully educated on the issues and policy that affect their lives so they may be fully involved in the political process.
NCNW General Counsel Janice Mathis joins President and CEO Shavon Arline-Bradley in sharing NCNW’s Eight-State/All-State Strategy initiative with major media outlets during the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, August 19 – 22, 2024.
Vice President Kamala Harris, NCNW affiliate member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., accepting the presidential nomination during the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, August 19 – 22, 2024.
A SUMMER CELEBRATING BLACK WOMEN
BY BERNADINE STALLINGS, RENEE SCOTT, AND ASHANTE COREY BEY
As Summer 2024 marked the 60th anniversary of Freedom Summer, a voter registration campaign in Mississippi which gave momentum to the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, NCNW took to the road to spread the message about the importance of the upcoming election, voting rights and to celebrate Black women. From the Essence Festival in New Orleans to the boulés and conventions of its affiliates across the country, NCNW was in the room.
4 – 7, 2024.
NCNW staff connect with Black women from across the country and sign up new members during the Essence Festival in New Orleans, July
President and CEO Shavon Arline-Bradley discusses sisterhood and the power of Black women with Xavier University student and NCNW member Alyssa Hoey during Essence Festival in New Orleans, July 2024.
Essence Festival
Essence Festival 2024 in New Orleans was a party with a purpose honoring 30 years of celebrating Black womanhood and culture. NCNW connected with Black women from across the country sharing its rich culture and history at its booth in the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. This dynamic interaction also welcomed new members into the NCNW community, furthering NCNW’s mission of empowerment and unity.
During the “Celebrating Sisterhood in Solidarity” panel presented by Coca-Cola, NCNW President and CEO Shavon Arline-Bradley spoke on the importance of positive imagery and portrayal of Black women in the media and entertainment.
“Young people have to see what they can be,” said Arline-Bradley.
Civil rights leaders join President and CEO Shavon Arline-Bradley during the Global Black Economic Forum in New Orleans, July 4, 2024.
She also touched on the work NCNW does to improve the lives and have an economic impact on African American communities.
“Organizations like NCNW put money into scholarships to create opportunities for others,” she continued later in the discussion. “Essence should not be your concert moment. It should be your healing moment to create space for you to open your business or obtain that contract that should be yours.”
During the Global Black Economic Forum, ArlineBradley joined fellow legacy civil rights organizations for a panel discussion, “Connecting Changes Everything,” to discuss “the future of digital inclusion and accessible connectivity for everyone.” In addition to highlighting technological progress, the panel emphasized programs like the Universal Service Fund (USF) and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) aimed to eliminate barriers to digital access.
“Digital connectivity means full access to digital options to advance equitable access for all Black communities. ACP is no longer available, yet, 23 million households benefited from this program and 1 in 4 of them were Black families,” said Arline-Bradley. “If you wake up in America and don’t have digital options, you can’t bank, you can’t go to work, you can’t engage in your household, you can’t pay your own bills. We are asking Black communities to collectively push to ensure that we not only close those digital divides but end them.”
President and CEO Arline-Bradley shared similar messages regarding the importance of advocacy, voting, and equitable access to resources during the Color of Change’s “Preserving, Honoring, Celebrating Herstory” Brunch and NCNW affiliate, The National Coalition of Black Civic Participation’s, “Women of Power” Brunch.
Opal Lee, activist and godmother of Juneteenth, with Shavon Arline-Bradley, NCNW President and CEO and Dr. A. Lois Keith, National Chair, before receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award during The Links, Inc.’s 44th National Assembly, June 19, 2024.
Celebrating Black Women With Our Affiliates
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
NCNW National Board Chair Dr. A. Lois Keith attended the 71st Boule for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, July 5-8, 2024. Dr. Keith is the first NCNW member of Alpha Kappa Alpha to lead NCNW since Dr. Dorothy Celeste Boulding Ferebee, who was preceded by another Alpha Kappa Alpha sister, Vivian Carter Mason. Dr. Keith, along with other members of Alpha Kappa Alpha who lead women’s organizations, were honored at the Boule, which was also attended by NCNW and Alpha Kappa Alpha member Vice President Kamala Harris, and Alpha Kappa Alpha members Congresswoman Lauren Underwood, NBA Player Aja Wilson, and Grammy Award winner Erica Campbell.
The Links, Inc.
NCNW celebrated Juneteenth this year with its affiliate organization, The Links, Inc., during their 44th Assembly Grand Opening and Juneteenth Celebration in Dallas, Texas June 19, 2024. Dr. A. Lois Keith, NCNW National Chair, and Shavon Arline-Bradley, NCNW President and CEO, accepted The Links Medal given to organizations with a history of challenging the status quo and making a permanent and significant impact in the lives of African Americans. NCNW received its award alongside activist and grandmother of Juneteenth, Opal Lee, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Shavon Arline-Bradley, NCNW President and CEO and Dr. A. Lois Keith, National Chair, receive the Link Medal from Ethel Isaacs Williams, National President, The Links, Inc. on June 19, 2024.
Dr. A. Lois Keith, National Chair (center), attends the Public Meeting during Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.’s 71st Boule July 5, 2024.
Vice President Kamala Harris gives remarks during NCNW affiliate Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.’s 60th Boule in Houston, July 31 – August 4, 2024.
Eta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
Shavon Arline-Bradley, NCNW President and CEO receives $25,000 donation for NCNW during Jack and Jill of America’s 46th National Convention in Minneapolis, July 23 – 28, 2024.
Jack and Jill of America, Inc.
NCNW was honored to join its esteemed affiliate, Jack and Jill of America, Inc., for their 46th National Convention in Minneapolis. The theme for the event was, “Celebrating A Masterpiece of Life, Love, Leadership, and Legacy.” President and CEO Shavon Arline-Bradley, was a featured speaker at the Convention’s Breakfast and Worship Service where Jack and Jill of America, Inc. presented NCNW with a generous donation of $25,000 in support of NCNW’s mission and programs.
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
NCNW joined Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. in Houston, Texas for their 60th Biennial Boule. The theme of the event was “Amplifying Greater,” and it featured a special appearance by Vice President Kamala Harris. President and CEO Shavon Arline-Bradley delivered an inspiring message encouraging Sigma Gamma Rho members to collaborate with NCNW on its Eight State/All State Strategy, an initiative focused on mobilizing youth ages 17-24 and low propensity voters to enhance voter turnout and participation.
A.
Eta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, a business and professional women’s organization and affiliate of NCNW, held its 36th Biennial Grand Boule in Atlanta, Georgia the week of July 22, 2024. Along with almost 300 members in attendance, Dr. A. Lois Keith, National Chair, was among the dignitaries who brought greetings from NCNW. Activities during the boule included: a workshop by Good Health WINs led by Synovia Moss, National Program Chair; a Public Leadership Workshop; a National Youth Convention and SHAD Convention (both auxiliaries of the National Sorority); and handled the business of the Sorority aligned with the theme of the Boule, “Moving Forward – Connecting, Growing, and Serving” the community. Eta Phi Beta also donated over $20,000 to 501(c)3 charitable organizations including an Atlanta-based organization, The Jamaica Project, (Mrs. Jaquel and Mr. Shun Tucker – owners).
Dr.
Lois Keith, National Chair, joins Eta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. for their 36th Biennial Grand Boule in Atlanta, Georgia, July 22, 2024.
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FEREBEE WAY: Honoring NCNW Second President Dr. Dorothy
Celeste Boulding Ferebee
BY
Dr. A. Lois Keith, NCNW National Chair, and community leaders unveil the street sign named after NCNW Second President Dr. Dorothy Celeste Boulding Ferebee June 27, 2024.
RENEE SCOTT
n June 27, 2024, NCNW Second President Dr. Dorothy Celeste Boulding Ferebee was honored with a street designation in her former Bloomingdale neighborhood in Washington, D.C. The occasion was marked with a breakfast and ceremony at St. George’s Episcopal Church before the unveiling of the new street sign bearing Dr. Ferebee’s name, and was followed by lunch at St. George’s Episcopal Church.
NCNW Second President Dr. Dorothy Celeste Boulding Ferebee received a street designation posthumously in her former Bloomingdale neighborhood in Washington, D.C. June 27, 2024.
The ceremony was a joyous occasion that included remarks from Dr. A. Lois Keith, NCNW National Board Chair; Zachary Parker, DC Ward 5 Councilmember; Cheryl Parker, 28th past president of the Xi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated; Gloria Blackwell, CEO, American Association of University Women; Natasha Dupee, executive director, D.C. Mayor’s Office on Women’s Policy and Initiatives; and members of Dr. Ferebee’s family. The remarks clarified the monumental scale of Dr. Ferebee’s legacy includes founding the Mississippi Health Project and Southeast Neighborhood House, serving as an international delegate for the United States government, and serving as the 10th International President of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, an affiliate of NCNW, from 1939-1941.
Reverend Marilyn Jenkins, Priest-in-Charge at St. George’s Episcopal Church (left), Dr. A. Lois Keith, National Chair (centerleft), Zachary Parker, DC Ward 5 Councilmember (center-right); Gloria Blackwell, CEO, American Association of University Women (top-left); Natasha Dupee, executive director, D.C. Mayor’s Office on Women’s Policy and Initiatives (2nd row-center); and members of Dr. Ferebee’s family.
Dr. A. Lois Keith, National Chair and Zachary Parker, DC Ward 5 Councilmember with members of NCNW affiliate members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. at the street naming in honor of Dr. Dorothy Celeste Boulding Ferebee.
Upon the conclusion of the ceremony, all who attended took the short walk to Ferebee Way, which is located at the intersection of 2nd Street and S Street, in northwest Washington, D.C. The sign was unveiled by Dr. Keith, members of the Ferebee Family, and Councilmember Parker. After the unveiling, many attendees mingled in fellowship, sharing their connection with Dr. Ferebee. Many people attended from the greater DC area, including some of Dr. Ferebee’s former patients and members of the Xi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. NCNW is grateful to Dr. Ferebee for her leadership and service. Her street designation reminds us that we stand on the shoulders of giants who we must honor in all that we do.
About Dr. Dorothy Celeste Boulding Ferebee, Second President of NCNW
Trailblazing Black Female Physician | Moved to the District in 1925 for an internship at Howard University’s Freedman’s Hospital, providing pioneering care for women, including sex education, and remained there for over 40 years.
Public Health Pioneer | Established the Southeast Settlement House in 1929 to provide recreation and daycare facilities open to Black children in an era when such facilities were segregated.
Medical Director for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. | First Medical Director for the historic Mississippi Health project in 1935, a mobile clinic and education program for sharecropping families in the Mississippi Delta.
Women’s Club Leader | President of DC’s Xi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority from 1936-38 and elected International President of the sorority in 1939.
Civil Rights and Social Justice Activist | Chair of the DC Commission for Women and President of the National Council of Negro Women, advocating for the rights and welfare of Black women and children.
International Humanitarian | Served on the boards of the Girl Scouts of the USA, American Association of University Women (AAUW}, the White House Children and Youth Council, and UNICEF.
Global Health Advocate | Appointed as one of the five U.S. delegates to the World Health Organization’s twentieth assembly in Geneva, Switzerland.
NCNW to Convene in BALTIMORE for 61ST NATIONAL CONVENTION
BY TONITA PERRY
NCNW is excited to hold their 61st National Convention in Baltimore, Md., Oct. 9-13, at the Baltimore Convention Center. As it stands, NCNW will have upwards to 1,500 attendees to assemble.
The five-day event will be filled with workshops, plenary sessions, and licensed-vendors, as well as local Baltimore-based merchants, for attendees to purchase goods and wares. In addition, there will be a push to get Black women to the polls on Nov. 5, as well as championing youth, ages 17-24, to be involved with the political process through voting. Most importantly, members will be handling the business of NCNW.
This will mark the first convention under the leadership of both NCNW Board Chair, Dr. A. Lois Keith and President and CEO Shavon Arline-Bradley, further solidifying the “New Era.” In this new era, after 88 years, NCNW changed its governance structure to work more efficiently. This is the first time NCNW has designated separate leadership roles electing a board chair and hiring a president/CEO serving in a salaried position. This is the organizational structure that has undergirded the major civil rights organizations; with NCNW being the most recent to move to this infrastructure. This infrastructure is representative of the 21st century, that allowed for separating the duties
of both positions to work more effectively to fight for civil rights and social justice.
NCNW, known as an “organization of organizations,” is comprised of 330 campus and community-based sections and 38 national women’s organizations that enlightens, inspires, and connects more than 2,000,000 women and men. Founded in 1935 by Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, an influential educator and activist, and for more than fifty years, the iconic Dr. Dorothy Height was president of NCNW, the mission is to lead, advocate for, and empower women of African descent, their families and communities.
Today, the NCNW programs are grounded on a foundation of critical concerns that are now “NCNW Priorities.” The organization promotes education; encourages entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and economic stability; educates women about health and promotes healthcare access, and promotes civic engagement and advocates for sound public policy and social justice.
NCNW Members attend the 60th National Convention in 2022.
NCNW KICKS OFF
Bethune-Height
Changemaker
Pathways Program, Announces Inaugural Class
BY HALIMA ADENEGAN
On August 19, 2024, The National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) announced the start of the Bethune-Height Changemaker Pathways (BHCP) program, a new programmatic response to the systemic barriers and inequities that continue to stifle Black women in the workplace. The first pathway in the program – the Collegiate Career Accelerator – will serve as proof of concept, ultimately informing the design and development of future BHCP programs, each with a distinct focus and approach to cultivating changemakers.
“We are excited about the role BHCP will play in advancing the NCNW mission and workforce development for Black women,” said President and
CEO Shavon Arline-Bradley. “The program will serve as a critical means to empower thousands of Black women and girls to effect invaluable change in noteworthy ways. These pathways will lead to financial freedom and more equitable economic standing.”
The Collegiate Career Accelerator will focus on professional development in the form of “Change Labs,” which provide access to Black women for inspiration, motivation, and support, and lastly, funding, where participants will receive a $5,000 stipend to support the advancement of their professional journey. Scheduled are 10 change labs, two virtual conferences on social justice and adulting, and two in-person touchpoints for the participants. The program will run from August 2024 – April 2025.
Program Director Halima Adenegan, who designed and leads the program, noted, “The Collegiate Career Accelerator creates space for our rising changemakers to connect theory to practice through experiential and interactive learning. This multifaceted approach will empower them to excel on whatever path they choose. We are excited to witness all they will accomplish, this school year and beyond.”
Aaliyah Robinson
Gabriella Wicker
Amaya Waymon
Jakhia Andrews
Alexandria Jones
Haja Koroma
For the opening cycle, 12 college students were chosen based on an application process that identified those who are, first, members of NCNW collegiate sections and, second, showed extreme promise to collectively make a diverse class in life and career experience that will create invaluable impact in the future workforce. They students are:
n Aaliyah Robinson, Delaware State University
n Alexandria Jones, Lincoln University
n Amaya Waymon, Tuskegee University
n Gabriella Wicker, Xavier University
n Haja Koroma, Westchester University
n Jakhia Andrews, Florida A&M University
n Kehniah Watts, North Carolina A&T State University
n Kyli Ross, Morgan State University
n Olivia Gray, Spelman College
n Ric’Kayla Short, Savannah State University
n Te’ara Marshall, Georgia Southern University
n Ciarah Simmons, University of Chicago
NCNW is an “organization of organizations,” comprised of 330 campus and community-based sections and 36 national women’s organizations that enlightens, inspires, and connects more than 2,000,000 women and men. Its mission is to lead, advocate for, and empower women of African descent, their families, and communities. It was founded in 1935 by Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, an influential educator and activist, and for more than fifty years, the iconic Dr. Dorothy Height was president of NCNW.
Today, the NCNW programs are grounded on a foundation of critical concerns that are now “NCNW Priorities.” Our organization promotes education; encourages entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and economic stability; educates women about health and promotes healthcare access, and promotes civic engagement and advocates for sound public policy and social justice.
For more information visit ncnw.org/bhcp or email BHCP@ncnw.org.
Kehniah Watts
Ric’Kayla Short
Olivia Gray
Ciarah Simmons
Kyli Ross
Te’ara Marshall
Donor Spotlight
BY FARIDAH BURNETT
Kathleen Rawlins is a dedicated advocate for NCNW. Her journey toward activism is deeply rooted in personal experiences and a passion for community service.
Kathleen’s passion for NCNW began when she was inspired by NCNW’s advocacy for the Freedom to Learn campaign, which aimed to preserve the history and experiences of marginalized communities. She then became an active member of the Rankin, Mon Valley, Pittsburgh Section of NCNW, near the childhood home of Dorothy Irene Height. Her leadership in NCNW has made her even more politically engaged and has driven her tireless efforts to help make the organization a more financially stable and sustainable force for positive change.
lasting impact. Witnessing a high school classmate being shot by a white business owner over a harmless jukebox prank, and seeing the justice system fail – the business owner received a mere two-year sentence – sparked a passion for the pursuit of justice and equality for all. Activism was even more deeply instilled by Kathleen’s first Black teacher, who further emphasized what a privilege and a responsibility it is to be able to stand up for civil rights and against injustices. Her experiences and her teacher’s impactful words inspired Kathleen to take part in protests, marches, and demonstrations and taught her at an early age that with enough dedication, change is possible.
Kathleen’s commitment to social justice and civil rights began during her teen years, when a tragic event left a
Kathleen’s dedication to NCNW is rooted in a deep understanding of Mary McLeod Bethune’s vision for women of African descent – a vision that calls for giving Black women a seat and a voice at the table. The NCNW mission resonates profoundly with Kathleen, fueling her unwavering commitment to ensuring NCNW continues to be a force for significant, lasting change. As she works to carry forward this legacy, Kathleen is helping to build a future where the voices of Black women are heard, respected, and empowered in every aspect of society.
On June 19, 1865, Union Army soldiers arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas – two years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation – to free the last enslaved African Americans and officially end slavery in the United States. Since that time, Black people in Texas and across the country have celebrated that day, affectionately known as Juneteenth, as an unofficial holiday until it became a federal holiday in 2021. Nearly 160 years after the first Juneteenth celebration, Vice President Kamala Harris, the first woman and Black person to hold the office, was nominated as the Democratic candidate for President of the United States. But, how has the impact of Juneteenth led to this time in history?
The U.S Civil War saw the nation split due to the institution of slavery. The creation of the Confederacy, following the election of President Lincoln, sought to defend the slave trade through means of violence and rebellion. Slavery had been an industry even before the U.S gained its independence. An industry that would divide the nation for decades leading up to the war.
By 1860, the U.S slave trade was worth $4 billion dollars – $42 trillion in today’s economy. States throughout the country North and South profited from this trade. While certain states outlawed slavery, they continued to profit from the products produced by the slave trade. There were even states such as Delaware, Maryland, Missouri, West Virginia, and Kentucky who remained in the Union, but continued to practice slavery. With the passage of the 13th Amendment on December 5, 1865 slavery would officially become an abolished institution under the Constitution which resulted in over six million people being freed.
Despite gaining their freedom, Black Americans continued to deal with hardship following Reconstruction. With efforts to help newly freed Blacks dismantled, the passage of Jim Crow laws and racial terror inflicted by groups such as the KKK, Black people endured decades of discrimination and segregation until (and even after) after the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Fast forward to 2008 when Barack Obama became the first Black person to be elected President of the United States. And now, Vice President Kamala Harris, a Black woman, is running for the office. If elected, she would be the first woman and first Black woman to hold the office – 104 years after women received the right to vote and 59 years after Black Americans received the right to vote.
Despite several strides made in the civil rights space, there are many issues we face even still. Juneteenth continues to represent the strength of our ancestors and our resilience to confront the country’s struggle with race and oppression. More importantly, Juneteenth inspires and reminds us to break through the barriers that keep us from forming “a more perfect union.”
Tech to the Rescue: Are Black Women Any Closer
to Achieving
Pay Equity?
BY REBEKAH WATSON
Understanding the Black Woman’s Wage Gap and Policy
NCNW, along with several other partner organizations, recognized Black Women’s Equal Pay Day on July 9, 2024. The day signified the additional time that Black women must work to earn what their white, non-Hispanic male counterparts made in the previous year. The gap remains significant, with Black women earning approximately 69 cents for every dollar earned by white men. This disparity underscores the persistent inequalities in the workplace, proving that we must remain vigilant and proactive in the fight for pay equity.
Policy does exist federally and in some states to address the wage gap experienced by women in the United States. However, there is a persistent and unique barrier faced by Black women across the country.
So, what can Black women do to close and even eliminate the wage gap? Along with advocating for policies that place Black women on equitable ground with their white counterparts, it is imperative that technology is utilized to assist with advocacy in the workplace.
The Role of Technology in Advocacy
As advocacy efforts for digital equity and equal pay continue, it is important to use the tools and resources available prior to interviewing and stepping into new roles. Knowledge is power and can be of assistance when speaking about the wage gap and addressing pay disparities. Here’s how technology can help Black women equal the playing field for competitive salaries:
n Salary Transparency Platforms
While a federal pay transparency bill does exist and some states have pay transparency laws which can help workers assess if the salary paid is equitable,
a number of states still do not. The lack of these lwhich results for the most part salaries remaining secretive in many industries. If you don’t know what you should be earning it is impossible to advocate for better terms. That’s where websites like Glassdoor, PayScale, and Salary.com come in. They provide valuable insights into salary ranges for various roles, industries, and locations. These platforms enable users to access real-time salary data, empowering Black women with the knowledge needed to negotiate fair wages.
n Networking and Career Development
Many of us are familiar with platforms like LinkedIn. Sites such as LinkedIn are a reservoir of knowledge when it comes to professional networking and career advancement. They offer opportunities to connect with mentors who often share their own professional insights in postings, join professional groups, and access job postings that match one’s skills and salary expectations.
Another resource is community-based sites, such as Reddit, which feature active discussion surrounding many topics including pay transparency in an industry specific format.
Many cities and towns also have small business associations and chamber of commerce communities which meet online and in person. These spaces are often a great place to meet and network with persons within the same industry who understand the same challenges.
n Skill Development and Online Learning
There is no greater investment than investing in yourself. Continuous skill development can significantly enhance earning potential and leverage and many websites offer free skill development and upskilling courses. With the advent of AI upskilling will become a term that more and more of us will likely have to become familiar with. Online learning platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and edX are just a few that offer courses that help individuals acquire new skills or refine existing ones, making them more competitive in the job market.
n Remote Work Opportunities
When the COVID-19 pandemic emerged, the world truly saw the rise of the remote work model. Remote work has opened up new avenues for Black women to access higher-paying jobs that were previously limited by geographic constraints. Platforms like Remote.co, FlexJobs and We Work Remotely specialize in listing remote job opportunities across various industries and across the globe. This has been especially game changing for those in the STEM fields, as the demand for STEM workers far outpaces the current supply.
While Black Women’s Equal Pay Day serves as a sobering reminder of the wage disparities and disappointments that exist in the United States, it also highlights the continued efforts of our people to achieve pay equity. Aside from pushing for policies that aid in the plight of Black women, we can also use technology to access critical information, develop valuable skills, and seize unique opportunities. Let us continue to advocate for equal pay in Congress, across the country and in our own workspaces to ensure Black women receive the wages they earn and deserve.
The Double-Edged Sword: Social Media, Games,
and Gun Violence Awareness
BY REBEKAH WATSON
The powerful influence social media and gamer culture have on our youth is undeniable. Social media platforms are active 24/7, 365 days a year, and so are its users. Platforms have been used to amplify stories like the Uvalde and Buffalo shootings, where both shooters were linked to violent online communities. This kind of usage highlights the dangers of social media, bullying and gun violence. In June, NCNW elevated Gun Violence Awareness Month, as gun violence continues to be a pressing issue in the United States. However, it appears little is being done legislatively to curb gun violence in the nation.
On the executive level, the Biden/Harris Administration established the Office of Gun Violence Prevention in September 2023 in an effort to forge a grassroots approach to solving gun violence issues and eliminate gun trafficking. Validating the urgent need to address gun, the Center for Disease Control reported in 2022 that there were 48,000 firearm-related deaths in the United States, which is an estimated 132 people dying from a firearm-related injury each day. Some further jarring statistics, courtesy of Brady United, found that Black people account for 60 percent of those killed by firearm homicide each year.
The Murky Waters: Social Media, Video Games and Gun Violence
According to Pew Research Center, youth ages 18-29 and 30-49 are the biggest users of Snapchat, Tik Tok, X (Twitter), Reddit, Youtube, Pinterest and Instagram. The numbers somewhat trend downwards the higher up in age users climb. However, at all age points surveyed, there was some amount of social media use. In terms of gaming, Pew reports 85 percent of teens play video games in the US and the majority of those players are teen boys. During gameplay, 41 percent of teens surveyed identified cyberbullying as a problem.
The relationship between video games and gun violence is complex and often contentious. While some studies suggest a link between violent video game exposure, aggressive behavior and desensitization to violence, the research is inconclusive. There is neither any evidence-based research proving a causal relationship between video games and gun violence nor has there been any scientific based studies linking gun violence to social media. As research continues, it is important that we approach the issue with a keen eye.
While social media and video games are often demonized for their potential negative influence, they also hold immense potential for raising awareness and mobilizing communities for legislation and prevention efforts. It is clear social media has become a deeply entrenched part of the modern human experience. So, how can we use it to combat gun violence and spread awareness by meeting the youth where they are?
Social Media as a Bullhorn –Mobilizing Communities
Platforms like TikTok, Twitch, and YouTube offer powerful tools for disseminating information, sparking dialogue and fostering community. In the wake of gun violence tragedies, people quickly flock to social media, making it a vital space for news and a safe space for sharing stories, facts, and resources.
Hashtag-based campaigns such as the #wearorange and #neveragain movements which were born out of the shooting of Hadiya Pendleton and the Parkland shootings respectively, are also useful tools. The movements have managed to bring major attention and momentum to legislative efforts including the 2022 Bipartisan Safer Communities Act.
Websites and platforms such as Facebook live, Twitter Spaces Everytown and Brady United provide grieving families and survivors with support. It is in these spaces, social media helps to humanize the issue and encourage empathy for communities struggling with gun violence. They further allow for live discussions, event organizing, resources on gun safety, mental health assistance, de-escalation tactics during active shootings, and fundraising.
There are many positive uses for social media. It does not have to be the dark corner where trolls go to hide or instigate baseless arguments. It is up to us to shine light in the dark corners and expose the nonsense. If we start to view social media and gaming as a tool for social change and advocacy, we can take significant strides toward making communities across the United States safer places to work, learn and live.
FEMICIDE – THE HOMICIDE OF WOMEN – IS THE LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH AMONG BLACK WOMEN IN THE U.S. (AGED 14-45)
All Things Election 2024
NCNW Launches Eight-State/All-State Strategy To Get Black Women To The Polls
The National Council of Negro Women, Inc. (NCNW) launched the Eight-State/All-State Strategy initiative to register and get voters to the polls for the Nov. 5 election on August 15.
“At NCNW, we are interested in making sure Black women, no matter who they vote for, vote,” said NCNW President and CEO Shavon Arline-Bradley. “Showing we understand checks and balances where we have a senate and a house, on the federal and state levels, as well as municipal bodies, that are governing on behalf of Black interests, Black women, their families and communities, are most important. Black women need and should be a part of the process. This strategy ensures this.”
The NCNW Eight-State/All-State Strategy is an initiative designed to significantly increase voter turnout, specifically among Black women and young voters, age 17-24. This strategy focuses on activating and mobilizing NCNW members, Sections, Affiliates, and Associates across the country to ensure the numbers of voters has increased since the last presidential election in 2020.
The initiative will start out with eight battleground states (Florida, Georgia, Ohio, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Michigan), and will be replicated in all 33 states where there are NCNW sections, to include Arizona, California, Colorado, Maryland, Nevada, New York, and Wisconsin.
NCNW staff and the Congressional Black Caucus host a voter registration sign up during a day of service at Franklin Park in Washington, D.C. September 12, 2024.
NCNW Vice President of Advocacy and Policy Portia White said, “This initiative is more than a one-time campaign. It is premiere outreach that brings together our members, 37 affiliates, partners and volunteers across the country to move on a design to elevate and defend our democracy. We are excited to move forward with the work initiated by our founder, Mary McLeod Bethune. Also, we will do this strategic work by utilizing tools, tactics, and events to support educating the community, helping to register individuals to vote, and assisting voters get to the polls to cast their ballots via early voting and on election day and by absentee ballot. In addition, we are deeply focused on getting our youth involved and dedicated to helping save our democracy.”
This hyper-local initiative will be critical to ensuring that the voices of Black women, their families, and their communities are heard in what is likely to be the most historic election of the 21st century. NCNW is laying the groundwork for voting to be a must for first time or registered nonvoters not just every four years, but each election that takes place.
To get involved or for more information visit, ncnw. org/eight-state-all-state-strategy.
NCNW staff and the Congressional Black Caucus host a voter registration sign up during a day of service at Franklin Park in Washington, D.C. September 12, 2024.
What You Need to Know About Project 2025
The NCNW is a nonpartisan organization and refrains from endorsing or opposing candidates for elected office. However, as an “organization of organizations” promoting civic engagement and advocating for sound public policy and social justice in the interest of Black women, we recognize how crucial the 2024 presidential election is as it relates to the future of our democracy. There has been much discussion and in depth analysis of Project 2025, a radical federal policy agenda and restructuring strategy that contains more than 900 pages of policies, preferences and proposed changes that foretell a major overhaul of the United States government. These changes not only affect the federal government, but also have substantial impact, if adopted, on state and local government.
Here are some basic themes that permeate Project 2025:
n Give more power to the White House and “go after political enemies of the President by placing “the entire executive branch…under the complete control of the President.”
n Substitute “an army of aligned, vetted, trained, and prepared conservative” political appointees for professional expert civil servants.
n Create more opportunity for private sector profiteering.
n Eliminate efforts to reduce poverty and wealth disparity.
n Increase power of state and local governments to allocate federal resources,
n Abolish programs aimed at promoting diversity, equity and inclusion,
n “Dilute Congress’ power over the purse – the budget.”
n “Reverse regulatory policies in order to promote energy production.”
The impacts to the U.S. government would be and not limited to:
n The firewall between the White House and the Department of Justice would be eliminated, allowing the President to directly instruct the Attorney General regarding investigations and prosecutions.
n There will be fewer job protections for federal civil servants and a greater emphasis on “loyalty” to the President.
n All diversity and inclusion efforts in federal agencies are to be abolished, including the Office of Civil Rights in the Department of Education.
n Title I funding for schools in low-wealth neighborhoods would be abolished, Federal student loans would be abolished.
n Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) efforts to assure that all homes are fairly and accurately appraised would be terminated.
n Parents could demand payment from county school boards to send their children to private schools, tutoring or other alternatives, depleting resources for public education.
We recommend that all members of NCNW learn more about Project 2025 and continue to educate your communities on its impact. It is useful to understand the changes that could occur, and the document also provides useful insights into how the government currently functions.
NCNW collaborated with the YWCA USA for the Y Women Vote National Town Hall September 7, 2024. The event focused on highlighting GenZ voices in the 2024 General Election.
NCNW Shares Results Of Survey On Attitudes For This Election Section
BY AFIA WILLIAMS AND TONITA PERRY
NCNW embarked on a survey to explore complex and nuanced beliefs that shed light on intersecting identities and attitudes which lead to experiences of Black women in America. Survey responses were collected online from March 6-31,2024 from NCNW members and Affiliates identifying as Black women.
The survey sought to clearly understand NCNW’s historical and ongoing commitment to addressing the intersectional challenges faced by Black women and to identify emerging issues to assess the impact of policy interventions and measure progress towards shared goals to continue to mobilize Black women voters.
Of the 4003 women surveyed, representing a margin of error of 2% with 99% confidence, insights were gathered from a subset of the overall population of 21,000 Black women.
One of the key finds was reproductive justice is the complete physical, mental, spiritual, political, social, and economic wellbeing of women and girls, based on the full achievement and protection of women’s human rights. The top three challenges Black women face when it pertains to reproductive justice are respondents being underinsured/uninsured (79%), flat out racism (76%) , and overall not being believed by healthcare professionals (74%). While 97% of the respondents have healthcare, 38 percent were somewhat satisfied with their healthcare coverage. What would improve their coverage would be affordability (81%), prescription drug costs (68%), and quality of care (64%).
In addition, to 90% of respondents, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is an important political issue for 2024. In addition, 91% will not financially support institutions and companies. What we have seen is that this term is being used as a “slur” during this political season.
Many say, ‘It’s the economy, stupid!,’ but, for 34% of the respondents they felt compared to a year ago, based on their financial condition, they either stayed the same or declined. Inflation impacted their households the most at 82%, though they have an annual income of $150K or more (24%), working full-time (53%), age 65 plus (35%), married (43%), and living in the suburbs (59%).
To round out the key findings, while Black women are well versed on domestic issues, 61% of respondents say the United States should have a policy of interventionism at it pertains to global issues and has a responsibility to promote democracy and protect human rights around the world. Climate change (71%), global health (60%), and the global economy (58%) being the most important issue to them. The Israel-Palestinian Conflict came in at 52%. Respondents (72%) also believe the current immigration policy is ineffective, with 26% believing all those who cross the border should have a pathway to citizenship and no one crossing illegally should have a pathway to citizenship (34%).
NCNW collaborated with the YWCA USA for the Y Women Vote National Town Hall September 7, 2024. The event focused on highlighting GenZ voices in the 2024 General Election.
SECTION NEWS
CAPITAL AREA SECTION (NORTH CAROLINA)
The Sisters of the Capital Area Section teamed up with the Raleigh Rescue Mission to host an engaging STEAM workshop. The youth participated in a range of handson activities, including a creative building challenge using marshmallows and toothpicks. The workshop provided a dynamic learning environment where the children explored science, technology, engineering, and math concepts in a fun and interactive way.
CLEVELAND SECTION (OHIO)
The Cleveland Section and Ohio’s Social Justice Committee traveled to Columbus, Ohio to help deliver 730,000+ Citizens Not Politicians petition signatures to the Ohio Secretary of State’s office to end gerrymandering in Ohio once and for all.
COLUMBUS SECTION (OHIO)
The Columbus Section proudly launched its first “Breakfast With a Book” at the Columbus Metropolitan Library, Parsons Branch, aimed at promoting literacy in their community. Families had the chance to choose a book for their home library, enjoy a special treat, and sign up for a library card.
DEKALB COUNTY SECTION (GEORGIA)
The Dekalb County Section visited their local middle school for a first day of school welcoming rally. The ladies decorated posters with inspirational quotes to get the young scholars excited and motivated for the new school year.
GEORGE WASHINGTON COLLEGIATE SECTION
The George Washington Collegiate Section recently hosted its 12th Annual Hats Off Brunch, an event dedicated to celebrating Black excellence and fortifying community connections.
GREATER AUSTIN SECTION (TEXAS)
The NCNW Greater Austin Section proudly celebrated its 2024 Scholarship recipients at the 41st Annual Membership Tea. The event honored exceptional young Black women who have shown remarkable academic and leadership qualities. As we applaud their accomplishments, we extend our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes for their collegiate journeys.
GREENVILLE COUNTY SECTION (SOUTH CAROLINA)
The Greenville County Section partnered with the Greenville Civitan Club of South Carolina to host 78 youth and 22 chaperones at the Roper Mountain Science Center. The facility offers interactive exhibits and programs, from the Living History Farm to the Daniel Observatory, promoting curiosity and a passion for all things STEM.
OMAHA SECTION (NEBRASKA)
The Omaha Section packed bags for the Black Votes Tour, a week-long exploration of Black history, providing a deeper understanding of the Civil Rights Movement. With generous donations from section members, the students will receive goodie bags to accompany them on their educational adventure. Beyond the rich history, the tour emphasizes the importance of voting, nurturing our future leaders, and fostering a commitment to civic engagement.
SEATTLE SECTION (WASHINGTON)
The Seattle Section had a successful Bethune Tea partnering with our NPHC affiliates at the WOW Art Gallery in celebration of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune’s enduring legacy.
ST. PETERSBURG METRO SECTION (FLORIDA)
St. Petersburg Metro Section hosted a back-to-school supplies giveaway. Equipping students with the tools they need for a successful academic year.
Upcoming EVENTS
NCNW CALENDAR
NCNW 61st National Convention Baltimore, Maryland
October 9-13, 2024
General Election Day Unites States of America November 5, 2024
National Black Caucus of State Legislators Washington, D.C.
December 2-7, 2024
AFFILIATE FOUNDERS DAYS
Eta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. 82nd Founders Day October 6, 2024
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Founders Day Cary, N.C.
November 12, 2024
Women Lawyers Division, National Bar Association Annual Labor and Employment
National Department of Women’s Work, The House of the Lord Churches 94th Holy Convocation
Brooklyn, NY
October 10-13, 2024
WITH YOUR CONTRIBUTION, GENERATIONS OF BLACK WOMEN WILL BE FOREVER CHANGED.
VOICES of Black Women is a groundbreaking long-term study, led by the American Cancer Society and powered by the voices of Black women across the US. The goal is life-changing: to better understand health conditions like cancer and learn how to improve overall health among Black women. With the enrollment of at least 100,000 women over the next few years, this goal is achieved as a collective It starts with you, but it flourishes with us
AFFILIATE EVENTS
Ladies Auxiliary, Knights of Peter Claver, Inc. 108th Annual National Convention and Conclave Washington, DC
July 19-24, 2025
skin cancer) and also live in one of our study enrollment states
Complete surveys on the private VOICES website. The first survey will take about one hour to complete. You will then take shorter follow-up surveys at least twice a year to help us gather meaningful insights into Black women's health.
SISTERS New Legacy Life, Group Life, Life and Contributing Memberships
AS OF MARCH 26, 2024 - AUGUST 2, 2024
LEGACY LIFE
Rev. Heidi Barham
Mrs. Mia Bieniemy
Ms. Henrietta Brown
Ms. Tiffany Caliste
Ms. Franlesray Campbell-Allen
Dr. Olethia Chisolm
Ms. Nicole Collins
Ms. Lynda Costen
Ms. Maya R. Elliott
Ms. Reva Gambrell
Ms. Dorthula Green
Ms. Ursula Harris
Ms. Tricia “CK” Hoffler
Ms. Holli Holliday
Mrs. Emma Jenkins
Ms. Kristie King
Ms. Jaynitah Larochelle
Ms. Sherita Lee
Ms. Delores Lincoln-Willis
Ms. Terilyn Love
Dr. Stephanie Nellons-Paige
Ms. Mary Owens
Mrs. Tatiana Piper
Ms. Ernestine Pratt
Ms. Portia Reddick White
Ms. Jephtha Snow
Ms. Lakeila Stemmons
Ms. Rhonda Stewart
Dr. Gladys Gary Vaughn
Ms. Jennifer Warren
Ms. Rosa Webster
Ms. Julia West Johnson
Ms. Monique White
Ms. Robin Williamson
LIFE MEMBER
Ms. Diane Adger-Johnson
Dr. Madeline Anderson
Mrs. Louise Arline
Ms. Tracey Artis
Ms. Mary Autrey
Ms. Sabrina Barnes
Ms. Roberta Bell
Ms. Tandreia Bellamy
Ms. Cheryl Bennett
Mrs. Patricia Blakey
Mrs. Stephanie Blevins
Ms. Patricia Bluett
Ms. Andrea Boutte
Ms. Earline Bowser
Ms. Dawn Brown
Dr. Fallon Brown
Ms. Patsy Gouldborne Buchanan
Ms. Audrey Carmack
Ms. Kathy Caston
Ms. Sylvia Clapp-White
Ms. Pamela Coefield
Ms. Babette Colquitt
Dr. Sharon Contreras
Mrs. Audrey Marie Cosby
Mrs. Courtney Coulter
Mrs. Lya Coulter
Ms. Stefani Coverson
Ms. Karen L. Croom
Ms. Cheryl Curry
Ms. Mary Dance
Ms. Shirley Davis
Ms. Delphbro Davis
Dr. Charlene Dukes
Ms. Michelle Dunlap
Ms. Delores Dupree
Mrs. Cheli English-Figaro
Ms. HaShawn Epps
Dr. Nadine Finigan-Carr
Rev. Stacey Forte
Ms. Clara Glaspie
Ms. Delana Glenn
Ms. Myra Green
Ms. Florestine Green
Ms. Connie Greene
Ms. Jeanette Greene
Ms. Marleen Greenleaf
Rev. Terrie Griffin
Dr. Michele Halyard
Ms. Conida Hawk
Ms. Jesslyn Hawkins
Mrs. Carol L. Henderson
Dr. Constance Hendricks
Mrs. Monica Hicks-Stout
Ms. Willa Hightower
Ms. Kamaria S. Hill
Ms. Tammy Hill
Ms. Sharon Hunt
Ms. Jeannine Hunter
Ms. Laurinda Jackson
Ms. Annette M. Johnson
Ms. Patricia Johnson
Ms. Danne Johnson
Dr. Marisa Johnson
Ms. Sabrina Jones
Ms. Cierra Joshua
Mrs. Vivian Kimble
Mrs. Brenda Kinsler
Mrs. Rhena M. LaBeaux
Mrs. Patricia Lee
Ms. Beverly Lewis
Ms. Stephanie Lewis
Ms. Shelby Marshall
Ms. Marcia Martin
Ms. Cheryl McAbee
Ms. Charlene McAbee, J.D.
Ms. Debra McAllister
Ms. LaSonia McBride
Dr. Kisha E. McCaskill
Ms. Carol McGruder
Ms. Paullephia Mobley
Ms. Kathleen Moore
Mrs. Alecia Myers
Dr. Ngozi Onuora
Dr. Mary Floyd Palmer
Ms. Wanda Parker
Ms. Nadine J. Pemberton
Ms. Lorraine Penn
Ms. Stephanie Phillips
Ms. R. Janae Pitts-Murdock
Ms. Connie Portis
Rev. Judith Ramsey
Judge Gail Ray
Mr. Muriel RayTaylor
Ms. Darlene Richardson
Ms. Caressa Richardson
Dr. Rachelle Roberts
Ms. Asha Rodwell Moses
Ms. Brenda Ruiz
Ms. Annie Savage
Ms. Sherry Scott
Ms. Mattie Scott
Ms. Ruth Searight-Rucker
Ms. Annette Shack
Ms. Tracy Shelton
Ms. Lynn Sistruck
Dr. Rosalie Smiley
Mrs. Larnice Spruill
Ms. Rae Talley
Ms. Stephanie Taylor
Ms. Denise Turner
Ms. Madalyn Turner-Dickerson
Ms. Danielle Turnipseed
Ms. Ebonnie Vazquez
Ms. Anita B. Walker
Ms. Curtistine Walker
Ms. Deidra Walker
Ms. Dawn Ward
Ms. Valerie Waters
Mrs. Shawna Watley
Mrs. Peggy Wesson
Ms. Claudette Williams
Ms. Donna Williams
Ms. Lauretta Williams
Ms. Lisette Williams
Ms. Dawn Williamson-McBean
Dr. Valerie Yerger
ASSOCIATE LIFE
Dr. Howard Spruill III
LEADERSHIP CIRCLE
Mrs. Sirecia Baker
Dr. Venice Haynes
Dr. Nicolette Powe
Ms. Yolanda Simmons
Mrs. Millicent Stackhouse
ADVOCATE
Ms. Luciana Boone
Dr. Ke’Ana Bradley
Mrs. Takisha Brown
Ms. Seneta Burns
Ms. Amanda Cooley
Ms. Wanda Davis
Dr. Ukpong Etteh
Dr. Tiffani Farrow
Ms. Tamara Hunter
Mrs. Tosha Jackson
Ms. Felicia Jackson
Ms. Donna Johns
Ms. Mikhaila lambert
Mrs. Nicole McClain
Ms. Michele Miller
Mrs. Regina Mitchell
Mrs. Jeannette Owings-Ballard
Ms. Deshawnda Partlow
Mrs. Lenna Beaty Perkins
Ms. Yanni Profit
Ms. Airian Pruitt
Dr. Lindi Randall Hayes
Ms. Felicia Rosemond
Ms. LaToya Rush
Ms. Arlevia Samuel
Mrs. Katrina Smith-Knighten
Mrs. Jocelyn Walker
Ms. Sophia Williams
Ms. Brenda L Williams
Ms. Panya Yarber-King
Ms. Lois McClendon
THE IMPERIAL COURT DAUGHTERS
The Imperial Court Daughters is an Auxiliary Organization of the Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles Mystic Shrine (A.E.A.O.N.M.S) Inc., which is commonly known as the Prince Hall Shriners. The Prince Hall Shriners is an African American Masonic organization, and the Imperial Court Daughters serve as its female counterpart. The establishment of The Imperial Court was the result of a meeting held in 1909 when women who were relatives of Prince Hall Shriners from Maryland, Rhode Island, and Washington, D.C. met with a committee of Prince Hall Shriners and requested the formation of an organization for women.
The purpose of the Imperial Court is to unite the relatives of all members of the A.E.A.O.N.M.S., Inc. into one common bond of friendship, to practice charity and benevolence, and to inculcate honor and integrity. We work together, with the Nobles and the community.
As such, groups of women in several cities where Shrine Temples were located formed auxiliaries for the female relatives of the male members, but nothing had been done to formally organize them. At its inception, twelve (12) Courts were organized. We currently have over 220 Courts, with a growing membership of more than 10,000. Courts are in the United States, USVI, Canada, the Bahamas, Korea, Japan, The Far East, and Western Europe.
The Imperial Court embraces the tenants of finer womanhood, and service to communities in order to promote:
◆ Charity and Benevolence
◆ Health Awareness, Education, and Prevention
◆ Education, Mentoring, and Scholarship
◆ Civic and Community Responsibility
◆ Human Rights and Equality
Our program thrusts include:
◆ Health Awareness
◆ Social Justice
◆ Diabetes Education and Prevention
◆ Cancer Awareness and Prevention
◆ Youth Awareness
◆ Education & Scholarship
◆ Tools for Schools
◆ Support for the Aged
◆ Domestic Violence
◆ Homeless Veterans with emphasis on female veterans
As a philanthropic organization, we provide financial support to:
◆ Developmental Delayed/Special Olympics Program
◆ The National Foundation (March of DIMES)
◆ The United Negro College Fund (UNCF)
◆ Breast Cancer Research
◆ Disaster Relief
◆ Sickle Cell
◆ Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs)
◆ HIV/AIDS
Some of our partnerships and affiliations include:
◆ American Diabetes Association Education and Prevention
◆ The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)
◆ National Council of Negro Women, Inc. (Affiliate)
Over many years of existence, The Imperial Court has donated annually to organizations and charities, such as March of Dimes, United Negro College Fund, Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer, Sickle Cell, Cancer Research, Tools for Schools, Special Olympics/Developmental Delayed. Together with The A.E.A.O.N.M.S., Inc., the Imperial Court Daughters have dedicated decades to promoting diabetes education, outreach, and research through its National Diabetes Initiative in collaboration with the American Diabetes Association (A.D.A.). Furthermore, we. have contributed over two million dollars to the A.D.A. to support that effort.
Annually, the Imperial Court, along with Constituent Courts, donates over $1million to various non-profit, community service agencies and organizations. Annually we contribute over 1 million hours of community service and serve over 1 million people internationally. During the upcoming session to be held in New Orleans, Louisiana, the Imperial Court will donate thousands of dollars to charitable organizations throughout the communities in Louisiana. Donations will be made to local schools and nursing homes. In addition, The Imperial Court Daughters gives annually to the Ursula Hines Botts Scholarship Program for scholarships for deserving students. The Imperial Court Daughters continue to seek and assist all communities of people of color as we travel and build throughout the United States and abroad.
“As we continue to pursue excellence through the challenges of change ‘for such a time as this,’ I, Dr. Karen Wright-Chisolm, 50th Imperial Commandress of The Imperial Court Daughters, has launched an initiative to be used globally in enhancing and connecting with like-minded organizations. While utilizing the purpose and mission of The Imperial Court strengthening the bonds of sisterhood and finer womanhood throughout the world.”
For more information about the Imperial Court Daughters please visit www.doipha.org.
PROGRAMS New Additions to the Staff
Nicole Taylor
Nicole Taylor joined NCNW in 2024 as the Vice President for Programs and Impact. Before joining NCNW, she held the role of Director for Population Health and Health Equity at the National Academy for State Health Policy (NASHP). At NASHP she also led the Emerging Leaders of Color Fellowship Program building a pathway for
early career professionals to lead and administer state health policy that often impacts their communities.
To her NCNW role, Nicole brings over 20 years of experience including roles as a Health Equity Program Manager with the CDC Foundation, and as Deputy Director for State Affairs with the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) where she led 13 states as a Medicaid subject matter expert specializing in state programs for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities, Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities, behavioral health and mental health, and maternal health outcomes. Former roles also include management positions with North Carolina Department of Medical Assistance, Texas Health and Human Service Commission, and the Austin/Travis County Health Department. She holds a doctorate in Health Sciences from Campbell University and, a master’s in public health from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC), where she also held a program manager role with UNC Ethnicity, Culture, and Health Outcomes (ECHO)Program, and a bachelor’s in political science from Hampton University.
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NCNW Headquarters Staff
ADMINISTRATION
Shavon Arline-Bradley President and Chief Executive Officer
Krystal Ramseur Ali Chief Operations Officer
Janice Mathis, Esq. General Counsel
Parys A. Grigsby Director of Executive Operations
Lauren Dew Executive Assistant to the President and CEO
Portia Reddick White Vice President of Advocacy and Policy
Tyese Williams Advocacy & Policy Manager
COMMUNICATIONS/ PUBLIC AFFAIRS
Ashante Corey-Bey Digital Content Specialist
Sandra Green Graphics Designer and Production Specialist
DEVELOPMENT
Stacey Crooks Vice President of Development & Grants
Faridah Burnett Donor Relations Manager
MEMBERSHIP
David Glenn, Jr. Vice President of Membership
Danielle Tyson Membership Coordinator
Ashley Meads Membership Assistant
PROGRAMS
Nicole Taylor Vice President of Programs
Halima Adenegan Director Leadership Programs
Josette Fullard Program Administrator
In Memoriam
Sheila Jackson Lee
Jamaica Queens, New York
NCNW Life Member and NCNW Affiliate Member
OBITUARY COURTESY OF MABRIE MEMORIAL MORTUARY
(EDITED FOR PUBLICATION)
Sheila Jackson Lee, a life member of NCNW and member of NCNW Affiliate, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, was born January 12, 1950, in Jamaica Queens, New York to Ezra Clyde Jackson and Ivalita Bennett Jackson. She was raised in a working-class neighborhood where her parents instilled in her a strong faith and love of education.
Sister Jackson Lee attended Jamaica High School and matriculated to a local New York College on a scholarship named in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. In 1969, she accepted an invitation to transfer to Yale University with other courageous undergraduate female students becoming the first class of undergraduate women at Yale. She graduated with a B.A. in Political Science with honors in 1972 and earned a Juris Doctorate from the University of Virginia School of Law in 1975.
Known as “The Congresswoman,” Sister Jackson Lee distinguished herself as a staunch defender of the Constitution, civil rights and African American interests. Sworn-in to Congress in 1995, she immediately made an impact as a member of the House Committee on the Judiciary where she served on the subcommittees on Crime and Immigration and Claims. She was the first woman to be the Ranking Member of the Immigration and Claims Subcommittee. She served on the Committee on Science, Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics and Foreign Affairs.
Sister Jackson Lee was a dedicated member of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), the CBC Foundation and an active member of the Progressive Caucus. She founded and chaired the Congressional Children’s Caucus which continues to advocate on behalf of children nationwide. She also founded the Pakistani Caucus in the wake of “9/11” to bring attention to human rights. Her successful efforts to steer millions of dollars for disaster relief in Pakistan has made her a national hero in that country.
As a strong proponent of civil rights, justice, and equality, Sister Jackson Lee has introduced and tenaciously supported numerous significant legislative bills such as H.R. 40 – Commission to Study Reparations and Develop Proposals for African Americans Act, The George Floyd Justice and Policing Act, and The John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. Her leadership is credited with reauthorizing the Violence Against Women’s Act.
Sister Jackson Lee had a resounding impact on the advancement and protection of the rights of all disenfranchised people, particularly Black women and communities of color. She will be missed and her influence will be felt for generations to come.
Rosalind Brathwaite East Bronx Section, NY
Deborah Oguamah Life Member East Bronx Section, NY
AS OF AUGUST 1, 2024
DRIVING IMPACT AT THE NCNW NATIONAL CONVENTION
Toyota Motor North America salutes NCNW for its unwavering commitment to education, health, economic stability, and civic engagement. As a proud sponsor of the NCNW National Convention, we are honored to support an organization that transforms lives and builds a brighter, more equitable future for Black women and their families. Together, we are driving forward the mission of empowerment and community upliftment.
NCNW is excited to host the 61st National Convention Presented by Toyota in Baltimore, Maryland October 9 - 13, 2024. See you there!
