National Council of Negro Women

Mission Statement

The National Council of Negro Women. (NCNW) is a council of national African American women's organizations and community-based sections.

The National Council of Negro Women had its origin in 1935, as Mary McLeod Bethune, an outstanding, dedicated personality, called 35 eminent women leaders to discuss the need for a united organization of women to open doors for our young women, united so that when it speaks, its power will be felt. The National Council of Negro Women is of all races, of diverse interests and backgrounds. There is a CALL and NEED for women to contribute time and talent to the Council program and work for human welfare and human rights. It was her sincere desire that that some day, the Nation into which she was born, would bestow its heritage of Freedom on all of its citizens.

Today, the council is comprised of 39 national affiliates and more than 240 sections. The NCNW mission is to lead, develop, and advocate for women of African descent as they support their families and communities. NCNW fulfills this purpose through research, advocacy, national and community-based services and programs on issues of health, education, and economic empowerment in the United States and Africa. NCNW is a 501(c)3 organization with an outreach to nearly four million women.