Section History
The vision for the Fayette County Section of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) began with organizer Cynthia Davies Hardy. The idea was first conceived in 2017, following the chartering of the Henry-Clayton Section of NCNW. Although the vision was established then, the work of organizing a new section did not officially begin until June 2025.
In June 2025, five dedicated women came together to begin the chartering process: Cynthia Davies Hardy, Vivian Key, Charlene Ferguson, Calvenia Bowles, and Rosa Bell. United by a shared commitment to serving the Fayette County community, they agreed
to organize a new NCNW section.
With the leadership, guidance, and encouragement of Brenda Winston, President-Elect of the Henry-Clayton Section, a virtual informational meeting was held on July 20, 2025, with Janair Patterson, NCNW Georgia State Second Vice President, and Theresia Carrington, NCNW Georgia State First Vice President. During this meeting, the organizers received valuable guidance on the chartering process and the requirements for establishing a new section.
Through social media, personal outreach, and word-of-mouth referrals, interest in the new section grew rapidly. As a result, 45 women attended the first organizational meeting, held virtually via Zoom in October 2025.
As membership expanded, the organizing members elected the first Executive Board on
December 18, 2025:
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President: Cynthia Davies Hardy
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First Vice President: Vivian Key
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Second Vice President: Stephanie Powe
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Recording Secretary: Alexis Davis
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Corresponding Secretary: Rosa Bell
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Treasurer: Sandra Cleveland
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Financial Secretary: Charlene Ferguson
Shortly thereafter, Bryana Johnson was appointed Third Vice President, and Lorez Davis was appointed Parliamentarian, completing the Executive Board. The section then adopted its bylaws and appointed standing committee chairs, establishing a strong organizational foundation.
While awaiting official approval to charter, the organizing committee hosted its first in- person Meet and Greet on January 14, 2026, at 240 Glynn Street, Fayetteville, Georgia. Chaired by Stephanie Powe and the Executive Board, the event provided an opportunity for fellowship and allowed prospective members to learn more about NCNW and the Fayette County Organizing Section. Following the event, membership increased to 63 women.
On April 30, 2026, the organizing section hosted a second virtual Meet and Greet, introducing additional prospective members to the mission of NCNW and the work of the Fayette County Section. Membership continued to grow steadily, ultimately reaching 123 charter members. Throughout the organizing process, the section remained committed to recruiting new members, conducting meetings, and developing leadership. On July 8, 2026, the organizing section received its official Welcome Packet from the National Council of Negro Women, confirming that the Fayette County Section could be chartered on August 1, 2026.
On August 1, 2026, the vision that began nearly a decade earlier becomes a reality as the Fayette County Section of the National Council of Negro Women is officially chartered. During the Chartering Ceremony, the Fayette County Section will be duly chartered by Dr. Lois Keith, NCNW National Chair; Dr. Gloria Dodson, NCNW Georgia State Coalition President, Dr. Judy Thomas, NCNW Georgia State Coalition First Vice President, and Lirelle Gardere NCNW Georgia State Coalition Second Vice President. This historic milestone marks the beginning of a new chapter of service, leadership, and advocacy dedicated to empowering women, strengthening families, and improving the quality of life throughout Fayette County and the surrounding communities.
