About Us
“Fortified By The Past, Focused On The Future”
National History
NCNW was founded on December 5, 1935 by Mary McLeod Bethune, distinguished educator and government consultant. NCNW is an “organization of organizations”, a council of autonomous national organizations coming together to improve the quality of life for women. It functions as a clearinghouse, facilitating networking and coalition building, and advocating the use of collective power on issues affecting women, their families and communities. Mrs. Bethune described NCNW as “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.”
For nearly half a century, Dr. Dorothy Irene Height led the struggle for equality and human rights for all people. Her life exemplified her passionate commitment for a just society and her vision of a better world. In 1957, Dr. Dorothy I. Height was elected fourth National President of NCNW, Inc. Dr. Height established the Black Family Reunion Celebration in 1986 to reinforce the historic strengths and traditional values of the Black family. Under her leadership, NCNW purchased its national headquarters located on Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, DC. Dr. Height served the organization until 1998 when she became Chair and President Emerita.
History of the Queens County Section
On May 13, 1987, Reva M. Anthony organized and formed the NCNW Inc., Queens County Section based on a growing need for community based program services in Southeast Queens. In August 1987, the section was chartered with the required 50 members. In addition, 10 men joined as Associate members. The installation of the Queens County Section was held at the St. Albans Naval Hospital in St. Albans, NY and was officiated by Eva C. Daniels, NY State Convener. The first president was Mrs. Linda Lloyd-Mayo. The Section members established 11 program committees focused on the areas of health, education, cultural arts, voter’s education, good & welfare, big sisters, community service, social welfare, religion, membership and economic development.
FAITH – FAMILY – COMMUNITY
Our Service Committees
National Council Negro Women (NCNW) is an “organization of organizations,” comprised of 330 campus and community-based sections and 33 national women’s organizations that enlightens, inspires, and connects more than 2,000,000 women and men. Its mission is to lead, advocate for, and empower women of African descent, their families, and communities. It was founded in 1935 by Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, an influential educator and activist, and for more than fifty years, the iconic Dr. Dorothy Height was president of NCNW.
Today, the NCNW programs are grounded on a foundation of critical concerns that are now “NCNW Priorities.” Our organization promotes education; encourages entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and economic stability; educates women about health and promotes healthcare access, and promotes civic engagement and advocates for sound public policy and social justice.
Community Service
The Community Service Committee of the NCNW, Inc. Queens County Section plays a vital role in supporting the local community through various initiatives. From engaging in food drives to coordinating clothing drives the goal of the committee is well-being and dignity of community members in need.
Cultural Arts
The Cultural Arts committee shares information about local cultural events taking place throughout the year and coordinates visits to cultural sites/landmarks, events, etc.
Economic Empowerment & Entrepreneurship
The mission of Economic Empowerment & Entrepreneurship Committee is to empower women of African descent, their families and communities. One of the ways that we do this is by presenting information, forums and advocacy that is designed to help women and their families achieve their economic and financial aspirations.
See More About Our Economic Empowerment & Entrepreneurship Committee
Education
Education Committee “The whole world opened to me when I learned to read. ”Mary McLeod Bethune The Education Committee operates an afterschool tutorial program for children, ages 6-10,at the Thomas White Jr. Foundation, Jamaica, New York. Outreach is conducted with local elementary schools to identify children in need of assistance, as well as advertising the program through local organizations, continuous mailings to the local communities, and word of mouth.
Good Health Wins
The In 2020 The National Council of Negro Women formed a partnership with the CDC and vaccinate your Family Program, which is now known as the GHWINS program.
Health
The Health Committee educates individuals and families about the availability of health services and coordinates a variety of community health events to provide updated information and free health screenings to families throughout Southeast Queens.
International
The purpose of the International Committee (IC) is to “promote a better understanding of other ethnic and cultural groups and countries and support the United Nations observances; to provide aid to address disparities in other countries”.
Maternal & Child Health
The Maternal and Child Health Subcommittee centers it’s work around addressing the impact of racial disparities and health inequities within the maternal and child healthcare system. The committee coordinates in-person health events and virtual webinars, in partnership with health and social support providers, and community-service organizations, to enhance and build community awareness, education and action.
Membership
Why join NCNW Queens County Section?
- Help better the community for our youth
- Develop and sponsor events in the community
- Build a sisterhood Network with other community based organizations
- Attend special events hosted by other NCNW sections or affiliates
Ready to Join Our Section? Click Here to Join.
Social Justice
The Queens County Section is registered as a National Voter Registration Day partner. Our members provide vital information regarding voter registration and assist with the registration process during voter registration drives.
Youth Section
The goal of the Youth Section is to prepare adolescent females for leadership roles and help them to develop a strong sense of self-resiliency, life skills and social skills.
Thanksgiving Baskets
Each year the Queens County Section distributes Thanksgiving food baskets to individuals and families in need on the Saturday before Thanksgiving.