Organization History
“The true worth of a race must be measured by the character of its womanhood.”
― Mary McLeod Bethune
A Legacy of Commitment, Unity, & Self Reliance
The National Council of Negro Women, Inc. (NCNW) was established on December 5, 1935, by Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, a distinguished educator and social activist. For more than fifty years, Dr. Dorothy Irene Height served with distinction as the president of NCNW.
Recognized as an “organization of organizations,” NCNW comprises a robust network of over two million women and men. It is open to all, of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, who share a commitment to NCNW’s mission.
Currently, NCNW's programs are grounded in critical concerns that have become "NCNW Priorities,” focusing on promoting education, supporting entrepreneurship and financial literacy, enhancing healthcare access, and advocating for civic and sound public policy in the pursuit of social justice.
Mission
The core mission of NCNW is to advance opportunities and improve the quality of life for African American women. The organization operates as a network—often called an "organization of organizations"—uniting national women's groups and local chapters
Vision
NCNW's vision is a safe, nurturing, and inclusive community where all families thrive and have maximum opportunities for growth. They strive to build a true democracy where all people have equal access to spiritual, social, cultural, civic, and economic life.