National Council of Negro Women, Inc.
San Diego Section
History

The National Council of Negro Women, Inc. (NCNW) San Diego Section was organized by  Mrs. Hortense Reeves in 1960 and chartered by the City of San Diego in 1966.  For 59 years, NCNW San Diego Section has led the fight for the rights of women, children and families.  
1960 - 1970
  • We partnered with Women in Community Service (WICS), a contractor for the U.S. Department of Labor, to provide assistance and guidance to Job Corps youth.​
  • We collaborated with several San Diego hospitals for African American girls to train as Candy Stripers.
  • We were instrumental in naming an elementary school after our founder, Mary McLeod Bethune Elementary School.
1980 - 1999
  • NCNW San Diego partnered with Robert Fulton Elementary School to adopt Rosia Davis's 5th grade class. Retired NCNW teachers and other members volunteered in literature, math, and writing. We supported these students from elementary through middle school. 



NCNW San Diego assisted women on parole by conducting workshops on how to apply for various job opening: The workshops included 1. Interviewing techniques, 2. Information on job opening resources and 3. Resume writing. NCNW also donated clothing and personal items.
 
Partnered with Children Having Children, to attack the Teen pregnancies in the Southeast San Diego area.

Partnership with Rachel’s House for homeless women.  NCNW supplied clothing and items of necessity.   
2000 - Present
NCNW San Diego Section - Science, Technology, Engineering, and Science (STEM) workshops for girls in grade 4th through 9th is in its 14th year and the workshops are taught by women volunteers working in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math.

 NCNW San Diego in partnership with Hitachi Data System, LTD to hold a free Universal Design Workshop, to teach girls and boys, grades 4th through 6th, universal design concepts is to inspire the girls and boys to consider careers in engineering.  “Universal Design makes things safer, easier and more convenient for everyone, including addressing the needs of people with disabilities.”


NCNW San Diego, has been in partnership with Mary McLeod Bethune Elementary School/Bethune K8 School for over 25 years. NCNW membership provides tutoring in reading, math and assist with Science Fairs. NCNW hold an annual Black History Essay Contest.

In partnership with San Diego NAACP through holding community forums on issues in domestic violent, mental illness, and sex trafficking.

In partnership with the Association of African American Educators (AAAE), accelerating the academic achievement of African American students.

In partnership with Project Save Our Children (PSOC), who have successfully moved the issue of the disproportionate number of African American children in foster care to the forefront of concerns.
NCNW SAN DIEGO SECTION PRESIDENTS

 

NAMES                                                                                 YEARS  SERVED

 

Betty Williams                                                                        1966 - 1967

Audrey Chung                                                                         1967 - 1970

Theodora Gentry                                                                    1970 - 1972

Jean Robertson                                                                       1972 – 1973

Viola Cox                                                                                  1973 -  1974

Cheryl McClellan                                                                    1974 – 1975

Patricia Phoenix                                                                     1975 -  1976

Helen Wolfe                                                                             1976 – 1980

Lillian Winston                                                                       1980 – 1983

Ann McPherson                                                                      1983 – 1986

Gail Knight                                                                               1986 – 1987

Gladys Alexander                                                                   1987 – 1991

LaVirgia Bryant-Wright                                                         1991 – 1993

Louise Hawkins                                                                      1993 – 1994

Elizabeth Cook                                                                       1994 -  1997

Carlean Arnold                                                                       1997 -  1999

Dessie Gaither Russell                                                          1999 – 2002

Helen Doakes                                                                         2002 – 2003

Tonja McCoy                                                                          2003 – 2004

Florence Jones                                                                      2004 – 2005

Dorothy Washington                                                           2005 – 2007

Patricia Watts                                                                       2007 – 2010

Dessie Gaither Russell                                                        2011 – 2012

Lei-Chala Wilson, Esq.                                                        2012 – 2013

Gina Surgeon                                                                        2013 – 2014

Pamela Hendrickson                                                           2014 - 2020

Helen Edwards                                                                    2020 - Present


​* Hortense Reeves was an African-American woman who was born into slavery in 1832 in North Carolina. She was freed after the Civil War and became a prominent civil rights activist. She was a founding member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and served as its secretary for many years. She was also a member of the Women's Suffrage Movement and fought for the right of women to vote.
Reeves was a tireless advocate for civil rights and worked to improve the lives of African-Americans. She was a gifted orator and writer and used her talents to raise awareness of the injustices faced by African-Americans. She also worked to promote education and economic opportunities for African-Americans.  
Reeves was a courageous and determined woman who dedicated her life to fighting for justice and equality. She is an inspiration to us all and her legacy continues to inspire people around the world.