An Organization of Organizations

For more than 85 years, the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) has been a conduit for service to the communities in which its members reside. An "organization of organizations" (comprised of 300 campus and community-based sections and 32 national women's organizations), it enlightens, inspires, and connects more than 2 million women and men. Its mission is to lead, advocate for, and empower women of African descent, their families, and their communities.

NCNW was founded in 1935 by Dr. Mary Jane McLeod-Bethune, and NCNW's programs are grounded on a foundation of critical concerns known as "Four for the Future." NCNW promotes education with a special focus on science, technology, engineering, and math; encourages entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and economic stability; educates women about good health and HIV/AIDS; promotes civic engagement and advocates sound public policy and social justice.

Its founder McLeod-Bethune was also the founder of Bethune-Cookman College, a historically black university that still educates students today on its Daytona, Florida campus. The daughter of former slaves, McLeod-Bethune became one of the most important black educators, civil and women's rights leaders, and government officials of the twentieth century. The college she founded set educational standards for today's black colleges, and her role as an advisor to President Franklin Delano Roosevelt gave African Americans an advocate in government. Her guiding philosophy is summed up in this quote:

"We have a powerful potential in our youth, and we must have the courage to change old ideas and practices so that we may direct their power toward good ends."

Locally, the Lorain Section of NCNW has been involved in the betterment of the community and committed to the mission of leading, advocacy, and empowerment for more than 40 years. Several of its members were part of the first mentoring program for girls in Lorain City Schools under the leadership of Martha Pye. NCNW has always been at the forefront of issues impacting the African American community. Concerned about the infant mortality rates in Ohio, the organization, in collaboration with the Lorain County Public Health Department, distributed safe cribs to expectant mothers throughout Lorain County.

In the early 2000s, looking to promote celebration of the multicultural history of Lorain, the organization worked in collaboration with the Lorain Negro Business and Professional Club, the Lorain County Urban League, and the Lorain Port and Finance Authority to install the Station 100 Underground Railroad Monument. This project was financed by grants written by the organization and support from the community and is located at Black River Landing.

Groups show their pride by displaying symbols that represent them. The Lorain Section of NCNW fulfilled a long-time wish of several citizens in the community by sponsoring the installation of the African American flag to fly alongside other nationalities at Black River Landing.

photo by Jen Navarro

In 2017, NCNW worked with the City of Lorain Streets Department with what the organization hoped would lead to investment in downtown Lorain. Using money from the organization, large self-watering pots were installed at the edge of what is known as Trolley Park, at the northeast corner of West Erie Avenue and Broadway. These pots were planted and tended by members of our section. As part of that effort, a campaign entitled "It's hip to be a square in Lorain" was initiated. Individual citizens adopted a square of the earth in the sidewalk that was then planted and tended by Lorain citizens during the summer. This project represented the dedication of Lorain citizens to their city.

Later, more investment was made by NCNW with the installation of additional pots on the observation deck near the police station. A conversation with representatives of Main Street Lorain resulted in a joining of the groups to expand the beautification effort, which resulted in the large flower pots which now decorate our downtown.

photo courtesy of Main Street Lorain

In 2018, NCNW hosted its first debutante cotillion. The cotillion was developed for high school seniors to equip, encourage, and stimulate them to pursue higher education, academic excellence, personal development, and civic involvement. The program objectives are achieved through a six-month curriculum consisting of educational, financial, health workshops, community service activities, fundraising efforts, and dance fundamentals. The culminating event of the program is a ball, where participants are introduced to the community.

photo courtesy of Lorain County Section NCNW

NCNW has maintained a presence in Lorain County for many years. Women with a passion to serve and a passion for the mission of NCNW have and continue to remain pivotal in the service advocacy in the community.

"The youth can walk fast, but the elder knows the road."

photo courtesy of Lorain Section NCNW

NCNW is a multigenerational organization. It is the strength and wisdom of those that came before us that maintains our wisdom and heritage and the hope and foresight of the future that provides us the certainty of tomorrow.

Under the guidance of NCNW President Regan L. Phillips, efforts will continue to make our communities better. We invite all persons with a desire to serve to join as we continue to lead, advocate, and empower our community.

Please feel free to reach out to Regan by emailing ncnwpreslcsect@gmail.com or calling 440-452-6690.

For membership questions or to become a member, please email 2ndVPlorainctysect@gmail.com.