NCNW History

The National Council of Negro Women, Inc. is a coalition comprised of 200 community-based sections in 32 states and 38 national organizational affiliates that works to enlighten and inspire more than 3,000,000 women and men. Its mission is to lead, advocate for and empower women of African descent, their families and communities.

NCNW was founded on December 5, 1935 by Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune. Dr. Bethune has been noted as an influential educator and activist. For more than fifty years, the iconic Dr. Dorothy Height was president of NCNW. Ms. Ingrid Saunders Jones served as the National Chair of NCNW from 2012-2018, which ushered a new era of progress and growth for the organization.

November 2018, NCNW elected National Chair Dr. Johnnetta Betsch Cole, Ph.D. During her childhood, Johnnetta Betsch Cole had the privilege and joy of being mentored by Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune. As a lifetime member of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), she also had the honor of working with Dr. Dorothy Irene Height; Her passion for the work of NCNW is centered in her longstanding engagement in the struggle for social justice, a struggle that must include full equality for African American women.

Today, NCNW programs are grounded on a foundation of critical concerns known as “Four for the Future.” NCNW promotes education with a special focus on science, technology, engineering and math; encourages entrepreneurship, financial literacy and economic stability; educates women about good health and HIV/AIDS; promotes civic engagement and advocates for sound public policy consistent with traditional values.

For more information: Visit our National Website – http://www.ncnw.org