NATIONAL COUNCIL OF NEGRO WOMEN INC.
SAN DIEGO SECTION
HISTORY
SAN DIEGO SECTION
HISTORY
NCNW San Diego Section was organized by Hortense Reeves* in 1960 and chartered by the City of San Diego in 1966. For more than 48 years, NCNW San Diego Section has led the fight for the rights of women, children and families. Our daily focus is to help build a better San Diego Community for women and their families. Here’s a snap shot of some of the NCNW San Diego Section accomplishments. You will see why we are so proud of our Section.
1960 - 1970
|
NCNW San Diego partnered with Women in Community Service (WICS), a primary contractor for the U.S. Department of Labor. During NCNW partnership with WICS we provided assistance, counseling, and guidance to young people during and after their education and training in Job Corps.
Partnered with several hospitals in the San Diego for African American girls to train to become Candy Stripers. NCNW San Diego San Diego Section membership was instrumental in getting a San Diego elementary school named after our founder – Mary Mcleod Bethune Elementary School. Created African American Business and Professional Women’s Directory. |
1980 - 1999
|
NCNW San Diego in partnership with Robert Fulton Elementary School, adopted the 5th grade classroom of Rosia Davis, Elementary Teacher, and NCNW member. Retired teachers from NCNW membership and other NCNW members volunteered to assist the classroom in Literature, Math, and writing. NCNW followed this classroom from elementary school through Middle school. Ninety five percent of these students completed high school and forty-five percent of these students completed college.
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.