WHERE IT ALL STARTED.....

The National Council of Negro Women, Inc. (NCNW) is a nonprofit membership organization founded in 1935 by Mary McLeod Bethune, 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.

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Mary McLeod Bethune was an extraordinary educator, civil rights leader, and government official. Mrs. Bethune proved her expertise not only as an educator, but also as an organizer and fundraiser through her work with Bethune-Cookman College.  She envisioned NCNW to be an "organization of organizations" that would represent the national and international concerns of Black women. It would also give Black women the opportunity to realize their goals for social justice and human rights through united, constructive action.