NCNW Founder
MaryMcLeodBethune
July10,1875–May18,1955
MaryMcLeodBethunewasanAmericaneducator,civil rightsactivist,andpresidentialadvisor.Sheservedasan advisoronAfricanAmericanaffairstofourpresidents, includingpresidentsFranklinD.RooseveltandHarryS. Truman.ShewasbornonJuly10,1875,nearMayesville, SouthCarolina,onariceandcottonfarmtoPatsyand SamuelMcLeod,whohadbeensalves.
Bethunesaweducationasthekeytoimprovingthelives
ofAfricanAmericansandhadthechancetocontinuehereducationalpursuits when a woman offered to pay for the expenses of one child to attend Scotia Seminary in North Carolina. After attending Scotia Seminary, she received a scholarshiptotheMoodyBibleInstituteinChicago.AfterattendingMoodyBible Institute, Bethune dedicated herself to educating others. She worked in Augusta, Georgia at the Haines Institute, and Sumter, South Carolina at the Kendall Institute before moving to Daytona Beach, Florida. In 1904, Bethune openedtheDaytonaNormalandIndustrialInstituteforGirlswithfivestudents. The school gained in popularity and eventually merged with the Cookman Institute for Men located in Jacksonville, Florida to form Bethune-Cookman College in 1923. As its original founder, Bethune served as president of this institution,oneofthenation’sfewblackcolleges,until1942.
During the 1930s, despite her success, one of Bethune’s goals remained unfulfilled. The goal that remained unfulfilled was the notion of forming a coalition of black women’s organizations. Bethune strongly believed that if black women presented a united front, then black women could become a powerful force for promoting political and social change. During a meeting in March 1930, Bethune held a meeting to officially propose her idea, but the womenpresentatthemeetingdecidedtosetupacommitteeforfurtherstudy rather than immediately form a coalition. However, on December 5, 1935, in New York City, Bethune addressed another opportunity to present her notion. The women present at this meeting were representatives of 29 diverse black women’s organizations and agreed to establish the National Council of Negro Women(NCNW).NCNWwasincorporatedonJuly25,1936,inWashington,DC.
Thefourmajorobjectives,asdefinedintheorganization’sconstitutionwere: TounitememberorganizationintoaNationalCouncilofNegroWomen,Inc.
To educate and encourage Negro women to participate in civic, political, and economic activities in the same manner as all other Americans participate.
To serve as a clearing house for the dissemination of information concerningactivitiesoforganizedcoloredwomen.
To initiate and promote, subject to the approval of member organizations, projectsforthebenefitoftheNegro.
After forming NCNW, Bethune was appointed as Director of the Division of Negro Affairs of the National Youth Administration by Franklin D. Roosevelt, a positionsheoccupiedfrom1936to1943.Rooseveltalsoconsideredheroneof his foremost advisers in the unofficial “black cabinet” in his administration. Bethune died on May 18, 1955. Her death was followed by several editorial tributes, including Eleanor Roosevelt dedicating a “My Day” column in memoriam. Bethune has been honored with a sculpture in Lincoln Park in Washington,DC(1974)andaUSPostagestamp(1985).
Mrs.JaniceM.Taylor
Greetings, I
amextremelypleasetowelcomeeachonetotheColumbus OhioSection,oftheNationalCouncilofNegroWomen's42 AnnualFundraiserJazzBrunch.Iamgrateful,andchallenged bytheamazingservice,talents,giftsthatourmembersofthe ColumbusOhioSectionoftheNationalCouncilofNegro WomenIncorporated,surelyhasprovidedeachandevery year. nd
amremindedofthewordsofDr.DorothyIreneHeight,“Weare notaproblempeople;weareapeoplewithproblems.We havehistoricstrengths;wehavesurvivedbecauseoffamily. ThatiswhytheColumbusOhioSectionoftheNationalCouncil ofNegroWomen,(NCNW)Incorporatedhaveworkedsodiligentlytogetherasa wonderful,graciouslocalsectionofNCNWIncorporated.
Weallhaveatorchtocarryandjustimaginethatthetorchthatyouareholdinginyour hands,thatitgivesilluminatinglight.Asweruntherace,eachonewilllettheirlight shine,sothatotherswillseethemanifestationanditsdivineglorytoeveryone.Weare thepeople,thepeopleofthenation.
Overforty-twoyears,theColumbusOhioSectionofNCNWhasstrivedtoretain,to maintainandtorenewtheirmembershipsforthepastyearsofservices.Theleadership for the Columbus Ohio Section, NCNW Inc. has been profoundly extraordinary, respectful,dedicated,andcommitted.Today,wearesalutingourcurrentColumbus OhioPresident,Mrs.VivianJacksonAndersonandourofficersandfrommembers, ColumbusOhioSectionofNCNW,Inc.Weallshallsaluteeachoneandwearegrateful fortheirloyaltyandleadership.
Ourfounder,Dr.MaryMcLeodBethune,wasaneducatorandhumanrightsactivist.let uspracticeandadheretothewords ofourfounder,“Iaminterestedinwomenand believeintheirpossibilities;weneedvisionforlargerthings,fortheunfoldingand reviewing of worthwhile things…through necessity we have been forced into organization…weneedaunitedorganizationtoopendoorsforouryoungwomenand allchildreninournation.”
Finally, the Columbus Ohio Section, of the National Council of Negro Women Incorporatedhascontinuallynurturedandworkedtohelpeducateouryoungpeople lives.BestwishestoawellgroundedandgrowinglocalsectionwithintheOhioState Coalition,andtheStateofOhio.
Respectfully,
JaniceM.Taylor
Ms.JaniceM.Taylor,OSC,NCNWStatePresident
ressofCeremonies
JephthaJ.Snow,Esq.
Jephtha J. Snow, Esq., is a seasoned executive, attorney, and creative strategist with more than 20 years of experience leading organizations, building partnerships, and delivering transformative experiences. She currently serves as Chief Operating Officer of the National African American Insurance Association (NAAIA), where she manages national operations, drives membership engagement across 28+ chapters, and oversees a multimillion-dollarbudget.
AsFoundingCreativeDirectorofEventsPlush/JJ’sCustom Corner,Jephthahasdevelopedareputationasa
logistical maven and visionary orchestrator of experiences. Her work spans project management, contract negotiation, fundraising, training program development,andbrandstrategy.Earlierinhercareer,sheservedasanattorney with Bricker & Eckler LLP and Of Counsel with The Law Offices of A.R. Hutchins & Associates, where she represented clients in creditor’s rights, nonprofit compliance,andcontractlaw.
Her professional journey also includes a decade as Account Manager at Progressive Marketing & Management Agency, where she led large-scale marketing and event initiatives for Fortune 100 and 500 clients including Nationwide,Macy’s,Dell,andToyota.
Jephtha holds a Juris Doctor from Georgetown University Law Center and a Bachelor of Arts in Black World Studies from Miami University. Throughout her career,shehasbeenrecognizedforherabilitytoproblem-solveunderpressure, introduce innovative solutions, and bridge the worlds of creativity, logistics, and strategytoachievemeasurableimpact.
Jephtha is an engaged community leader who actively serves in numerous organizations, including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.® (Alpha Sigma Omega Chapter), the National Council of Negro Women (Columbus, Ohio Section), the National Association of Parliamentarians (Central Ohio Parliamentarian Unit), and the National Coalition of Black Meeting Planners. She is also the proud motheroftwoteenagedaughters,DevinandRayen,aswellastheirbelovedfur babies,JoJoandShannon.
Guest
Dr.EvelynBethune
Granddaughterof Dr.MaryMcLeodBethune
Dr.EvelynBethuneisanationallyrespectedleaderin education,businessdevelopment,andcultural empowerment.Asthegranddaughterofcivilrightsicon Dr.MaryMcLeodBethune,shehonorsherfamily’shistoric legacywhileforgingherownimpactfulpath empoweringindividuals,especiallyBlackwomen,to embracetheirgreatnessandthrivewithpurpose.
AgraduateofBethune-CookmanUniversityandthe UniversityofFlorida,Dr.Bethune’scareerspansover40yearsacrosscorporate finance,entrepreneurship,media,authorship,andcoaching.Shehasservedas abudgetanalystforIBM,StateSalesTaxAuditorandInsuranceRevenueAgent fortheDepartmentofInsurancefortheStateofFlorida,afinancialplanner,a commoditiesbroker,andasuccessfulbusinessowner.Herexpertisein marketing,publicrelations,andcontentstrategymakesherasought-after speaker,mentor,andcreativepowerhouse.Sheisalsoknownforherloveof singinganddesigningculturallyinspiredfashion.
AsthefounderandCEOofBethunePublishingHouse,Inc.,shehelpsdiverse voicessharetheirstoriesthroughmemoirs,fiction,nonfiction,poetry,children’s literature,self-help,andacademicworks.BethunePublishingHousewillhelp takeyourideaandcreateyourstoryasaGhostwriter,editor,advisor,andso muchmore.Since2010,thecompanyhasofferedfull-servicepublishing solutionswithamissionrootedinlegacy,excellence,andamplificationof underrepresentedvoices.Shehaswrittenandpublishedseveralawardwinningbooks.ThelatestisTheBethuneBlueprint:TransformYourLifeUsingthe LessonsofDr.MaryMcLeodBethune.Hermostsought-afterbookisBethune: OutofDarknessIntotheLightofFreedom,whichchroniclesgrowingupasthe grandchildrenofDr.MaryMcLeodBethuneandamorepersonallookattheLife ofMaryMcLeodBethunefromafamilyperspective.
Dr.BethunealsoleadsHistoryintheMakingCoachingNetwork,Inc.,a transformativeplatformguidingBlackwomenoffaiththroughpersonaland professionalelevation.
Signatureprogramsinclude:
TheGreatnessDNAMasterclass–Afaith-drivencoachingexperiencefor womenages40–60tounlockpurposeandbuildgenerationalimpact.
BillionaireBotChics–Atech-forwardinitiativeteachingBlackwomen entrepreneurstoharnessAIforautomation,wealth-building,andspiritual balance.
RootedandWired5-DayChallenge–Abold,faith-centeredintroductionto integratingAIandautomationinbusinesswithoutcompromisingvalues.
SacredRebellionWorkshop–Acourageous,action-basedsessiontoslay fear(notdragons)andembraceunstoppablepersonalgrowth.
Herworkpreserveshergrandmother’slegacywhileignitingfuturegenerations toleadwithresilienceandvision.
Dr.BethuneisaLifeMemberoftheNationalCouncilofNegroWomen(NCNW) andanactivememberofASALH,NAACP,andtheBethune-CookmanUniversity AlumniAssociation.ShesupportsherAfricanMethodistEpiscopalChurch community,includingtheWomen’sMissionarySociety,YPDYouthProgram, andRestorationHouseforthehomeless.
Atrailblazerineverysense,shemadehistoryasthefirstAfricanAmerican womantoownaNASCARracecarinthe2011SubwayJalapeño250atDaytona InternationalSpeedway.
Dr.EvelynBethunecontinuestostandasabeaconoffaith,innovation,and legacy,committedtoupliftingothers,preservinghistory,andbuildingfutures groundedinfaithandfearlessvision.
BeTheChange ScholarshipRecipients AlaniFerguson
Graduating from Bishop Hartley HighSchoolandheadingtoXavier University Ms. Ferguson has dedicatedhertimetofeedingthe lessfortunatecitizensthroughthe Community Network Housing, putting smiles on over 500 children’s faces during Christmas for the annual Holiday Shop and packed/distributed over 1000s bookbags for bags for children through a collaboration between FirstChurchofGodandNewBirth Christian Ministries. She extended her skills to the Create HS Cancer ResearchProgramandPathway2 Progress, organized by OSU, and created mobile apps and websitesthroughTechCorps.
InspiredbyDr.MaryMcLeodBethune’sLastWillandTestament,Iseemyfutureas part of the legacy she wants young people to carry forward. Dr. Bethune emphasized the importance of education, racial dignity, faith, and more. By pursuing a degree in Biological Science, I serve as a foundation for notable change.
AlaniFerguson AlaniFerguson
BeTheChange ScholarshipRecipients
JaidenReneLyles
Graduating from Eastmoor Academy and going to the Columbus State Community College, Ms. Lyles has shown leadership through being the Captain for the Eastmoor Track & Field Team, Co-Captain for the Eastmoor Varsity Drill Team, volunteer to teach for youth thoughtheC-Dancecompanyfor Arts,cleanedupcommunityparks through the APPS Summer Program, and was part of Eastmoor Academy’s National HonorSociety.
“I leave you a thirst for education.” The quote stood out to me. As a young black woman,Iplantotakefulladvantageofall opportunities awarded to me so that I succeed.Dr.Bethuneencouragesustobe
purposefulmeansIneedtoengageandhaveaclearplanonhowI’mgoingto becomearegisterednurse.Dr.Bethunementionedthattheworldbelongstothe youth. My generation must never forget that we are the future, and being a successful black woman plays a huge part in the world's success. Bethune’s hopesforblackAmericagavemethewillpowertosucceed.”
JaidenReneLyles JaidenReneLyles
BeTheChange ScholarshipRecipients
Bree-AnSmith
Graduating from Eastmoor Academy and heading to KentuckyUniversity,Ms.Smithhas shown care for the community andleadershipthroughservingas amentorforPathways2Progress. Advocated and volunteered with Women 2 Women and the Van Buren YMCA Shelter, providing mental health awareness and tools to those in need. A member of the Eastmoor Academy Drill, Yearbook, Photography, and International Thespian Honor Society while maintaining the honor roll has shown her dedicationtohereducation.
“Withtheworldthatweliveinnowandthedespotgoverningit,weneedhope.I wanttobeavesselofhopeforthosewhoseelittleofit.Withsomanyimpactful laws and acts being rewritten and/or rolled back, such as DEI, minorities are takingtheextremehit.Inaworldthatisnotcateredtowardsanyofus,unlesswe are white male billionaires, things look dull. Dr. Bethune said we must have the courage to change old ideas and practices so that we may direct their power toward good ends. There is a dearth of sincerity and community, and with the properresources,Ihopetobeapartofthatchange.”
Bree-AnSmith Bree-AnSmith
ShaylaFavor
FranklinCountyProsecutingAttorney
Withacareerdefinedbyadvocacyandservice,Franklin CountyProsecutingAttorneyShaylaFavorisdedicated tofosteringjustice,equityandsafetyforallresidents.
Before assuming the role as the 52 Franklin County Prosecuting Attorney, Shayla served as a Columbus City Councilmember, where she chaired the Housing, Health andHumanServices,andCriminalJusticeandJudiciary nd
Committees. Her tenure was marked by initiatives designed to protect marginalized communities and promote equitable policies, including the landmark Housing for All legislative package, a comprehensive gun safety initiative, and reforms addressing housing insecurity, youth justice and public safety.
In her current role, Shayla is focused on building trust, promoting transparency and pursuing innovative justice solutions. She aims to address violent crime, support victims, and implement evidence-based programs that reduce unnecessary incarceration, minimize court involvement, and offer pathways to rehabilitation and opportunity. Shayla’s vision is rooted in the belief that a fair justicesystemcancoexistwithpublicsafetyandcommunitywell-being.
Born and raised in Dayton, Ohio, Shayla has called Columbus home since attendingTheOhioStateUniversityandCapitalUniversityLawSchool.Shelivesin Columbus’sNearEastSideneighborhoodwithherhusband,Corey
advocacyspectrum.
OutstandingCommunity ServiceAward
JessicaM.Roach,LPN,MPH
Co-FounderandExecutiveDirector ReChiefExecutiveOfficer,Clinical Director,andFounder
Jessica M. Roach, LPN, MPH has been transformative leader and advocate for community health and equity long before founding Restoring Our Own Through Transformation (R.O.O.T.T.).
Ms. Roach comes to this work with over 25 years of professional experience in Neuroscience, Pediatrics, and Maternal/ChildHealththroughouttheclinical,researchand
However, Jessica credits her lived experiences and the weight of systemic racism as the foundation of her professional journey As a Black woman, mother, grandmother, nurse, midwife, doula, and public health professional, she views her work as a calling and a responsibilitytoeliminatethedisparitiesthatdisproportionatelyaffectBlackfamilies.
As the founder of R.O.O.T.T., Ms. Roach leads a mission-driven organization dedicated to providing comprehensive support to Black families. Through education, advocacy, and direct care, R.O.O.T.T. supports communities with the resources, education and advocacy necessary to ensure Black families are supported in advocating for their choice and informed decision Under her leadership, the organization works to dismantle systemic barriers in healthcare, promote equitable, culturally responsive solutions and focus on systems transformation that will support Black Family Stabilization. Through this model in practice,R.O.O.T.T.hasessentiallyeliminatedmortalityrates,anddecreasedco-morbidities to1/3ofthenationalaveragewithinR.O.O.T.T’spractice.
Inadditiontoherworkwithinthecommunityandorganization,Ms.Roachisconsideredan innovative subject matter expert focusing her research, curriculum and program developmentcenteringthe“WebofCausation-StructuralandSocialDeterminants:Impact on Health" This framework, developed by Ms Roach in 2016, examines how centuries of systemic racism have shaped public health outcomes through intentional policy development,thatledtothecreationoftheSocialDeterminantsofHealth.Thisframework has been adopted by institutions like Johns Hopkins University, the Centers for Disease Control, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, as well as multiple academicandcommunity-basedorganizations
Jessica’s unwavering commitment to reproductive justice, health equity, and the wellbeing of Black mothers, fathers, families, and children continues to inspire long-term, transformative change Through her work, Jessica envisions a future where preventable deathsinmotherhoodandinfancyareeradicated,andhealthequityisachievedforall.
OutstandingService Award CourtneyComan
Co-FounderandExecutiveDirector
RestoringOurOwnThrough Transformation(ROOTT),
With over 16 years of experience in education, Courtney Comanisadedicatedteacherandpassionateadvocate forcommunityengagementandequityineducation.She currentlyservesastheChairoftheOutreachCommittee fortheNationalCouncilofNegroWomen(NCNW),where she leads two impactful programs — Breakfast with a BookandServingOurSeniors bothfocusedonliteracy,
With over 16 years of experience in education, Courtney Coman is a dedicated teacher and passionate advocate for community engagement and equity in education. She currently serves as the Chair of the Outreach Committee for the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), where she leads two impactful programs Breakfast with a Book and Serving Our Seniors both focused on literacy,connection,andcommunityservice.
AnactivememberoftheOhioEducationAssociatio her leadership and insight through the Minority (MLTP)Committee,collaboratingtodesignandde professionaldevelopmentforteachersofcoloracr state.ShealsopreviouslyservedasChairoftheRe Committee,helpingtoshapeandarticulatethe guidingbeliefsoftheorganization.
Rootedinherfaithandcommunity,Courtneyisan memberofFirstChurchofGod,whereshecontinue tofindpurposeandinspiration.
Celebrating Our Legacy CelebratingOurLegacy
2025JazzBrunchFundraiser
Supporters
Sponsors
DarrelA&KarenD.Peaks
McNite&VivianJacksonAnderson
SylviaA.Garrett&AssociatesLLC JPSPrint
KarenSteeleHicks
Patrons&Donors
VictoriaCrews
CharleneGreene
EalnorGrey
HowardT&FloriaWashington
Cut132
AnthonyVinceNailSalon
Vendors
Carolyn’sHats
CofficoAfricanBeauty
CreativeSpaces
Dr.Bethune
JJ’sCustomCorner
KreativeKreations
LeeJohnson LewisGroup
MarcontaAfricaGroup
TerriBeaSopher
ToubaXewelAdiya
The2025JazzBrunchFundraisingCommitteehas workedtirelesslytobringtogethertoday’sfabulous event. NCNW,ColumbusSectionthankseachand everyoneofthemembersfortheirunwavering dedicationandcommitment.
Officers
❏ President VivianJacksonAnderson*
❏ 1 VicePresident RobynTaylor st
❏ 2 VicePresident RhondaHuckaby nd
❏ 3 VicePresident ChristineBussey rd
❏ RecordingSecretary Dr.AishiaJohnson
❏ CorrespondingSecretary AngelineHoward
❏FinancialSecretary AnitiaBethune
❏Treasurer BaileyWilliams
❏Historian BrondaJacksonFawkes
❏Chaplain ShirleySkelton
❏Parliamentarian JephthaJ.Snow,Esq.
CommitteeChairmen
❏AnnualFundraiserJazzBrunch KarenPeaks, JepthaJ.Snow,Esq.*
❏PublicRelations EalnorGrey
❏CommunityOutreach CourtneyComan
❏Fundraising CharleneGreene
❏Scholarship ChristineBussey
❏SocialJustice MorganHarper
❏HolidayDrive DorothyCobb
❏AnnualDiaperDrive VanitiaTurner
❏BlackHistoryMonth JanToles
❏SocialMedia ChristineBussey
THANK YOU SO MUCH! thank you so much thank you so much
Greatly appreciates your support of our 2025 Jazz Brunch Fundraiser! for celebrating our 90 Anniversary th
