National Council of Negro Women Incorporated (NCNW) is a nonprofit membership organization founded in 1935 by Mary McLeod Bethune (1875-1955), a child of slave parents, distinguished educator and government consultant. With a mission to lead, develop and advocate for women of African descent as they support their families and communities, NCNW addresses issues of human welfare and rights through public education, community service, and advocacy. Mrs. Bethune called together 28 national women leaders to form "an organization of organizations," a council. When the 28 national women leaders responded to her call she pointed out that what was needed was not another organization, but one that would bring organizations together. Thus, Mrs. Bethune founded the National Council of Negro Women as such - "a national organization of national organizations."

 

In 1966 Dr. Dorothy I. Height established NCNW as a non-profit to further the growth of the organization. She worked in the capacity of Executive Director and Chairman of the Board until her death in 2010.

 

Locally our signature programs include Health Justice for Women with an emphasis on HIV/AIDS Education and Prevention, the Phoenix Leadership Academy for Girls and Scholastic Education Advocacy.

 

NCNW reaches nearly 4 million women through 39 national affiliate organizations and more than 240 sections, locally in Southern California there are 19 Sections of NCNW providing services as follows: Disseminating information about issues affecting African American women and their families; Promoting healthy lifestyles and behaviors through wellness projects, sponsoring event to build on strengths and traditional values, training and supporting women and youth in career development and community leadership, supporting economic development and entrepreneurship, and providing mentoring and educational support to our young people.