About Our National Office
Our Beginnings
Extraordinary educator and political leader Mary McLeod Bethune (1875-1955) founded NCNW in 1935 and envisioned it to be an "organization of organizations" that would represent the national and international concerns of Black women. It would also give Black women the opportunity to realize their goals for social justice and human rights through united, constructive action.
Today, the National Council of Negro Women, Inc. (NCNW) is a council of 39 affiliated national African American women's organizations and over 240 sections - connecting nearly 4 million women worldwide!
Our Mission
Our mission is to lead, develop and advocate for women of African descent as they support their families and communities. We fulfill our mission through research, advocacy and national and community-based health, education and economic empowerment services and programs in the United States and Africa. Through section and affiliate volunteers in 34 states, NCNW addresses local needs while impacting communities nationwide.
Our National Headquarters
Our national headquarters is based in Washington, DC, with a historic main office on Pennsylvania Avenue that is strategically located between the White House and the Capitol. We also have two field offices around the country. The national headquarters acts as a central source for program planning.
Our Programs
Some of NCNW's recent national and international programs include:
Extraordinary educator and political leader Mary McLeod Bethune (1875-1955) founded NCNW in 1935 and envisioned it to be an "organization of organizations" that would represent the national and international concerns of Black women. It would also give Black women the opportunity to realize their goals for social justice and human rights through united, constructive action.
Today, the National Council of Negro Women, Inc. (NCNW) is a council of 39 affiliated national African American women's organizations and over 240 sections - connecting nearly 4 million women worldwide!
Our Mission
Our mission is to lead, develop and advocate for women of African descent as they support their families and communities. We fulfill our mission through research, advocacy and national and community-based health, education and economic empowerment services and programs in the United States and Africa. Through section and affiliate volunteers in 34 states, NCNW addresses local needs while impacting communities nationwide.
Our National Headquarters
Our national headquarters is based in Washington, DC, with a historic main office on Pennsylvania Avenue that is strategically located between the White House and the Capitol. We also have two field offices around the country. The national headquarters acts as a central source for program planning.
Our Programs
Some of NCNW's recent national and international programs include:
- The high-profile annual Black Family Reunion Program Celebration.
- A national obesity abatement initiative.
- A partnership with national women's organizations in Benin to deliver technology, literacy, microcredit and economic empowerment programs.
- A small business incubator program in Senegal.
Dr. Dorothy Irene Height, a social activist, was a leader in the struggle for equality and human rights for all people. Dr. Height was an advocate of women’s rights and civil rights. Her life exemplified her passionate commitment for a just society and her vision of a better world. She shared the platform with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. when he delivered his “I Have A Dream” speech in 1963, at the March on Washington. She received numerous awards from local state, and national organizations.
In 1937, while escorting First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt to a NCNW meeting, Dr. Height met Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, who asked her to help in promoting NCNWs agenda, which included the pursuit of full and equal employment and educational opportunities for women. Dr. Height assumed leadership in NCNW in 1957, and led NCNW for 41 years until she became President Emeritus in 1998. In 1994, Dr. Height received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation highest civilian honor. Dr. Height died in April 2010. President Barack Obama delivered the eulogy at her funeral.
In 1937, while escorting First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt to a NCNW meeting, Dr. Height met Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, who asked her to help in promoting NCNWs agenda, which included the pursuit of full and equal employment and educational opportunities for women. Dr. Height assumed leadership in NCNW in 1957, and led NCNW for 41 years until she became President Emeritus in 1998. In 1994, Dr. Height received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation highest civilian honor. Dr. Height died in April 2010. President Barack Obama delivered the eulogy at her funeral.
Dr. Dorothy Height with President Barack Obama 2010