National Congress of Black Women, seal
*On this date in 1984, we celebrate the founding of the National Congress of Black Women, Inc. (NCBW). NCBW is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the educational, political, economic, and cultural development of African American women and their families.
The NCBW founding chairs were Shirley Chisholm and Dr. C. Delores Tucker. Other notable NCBW founders include Dr. Dorothy Height and Coretta Scott King. The NCBW commissioned Artis Lane to create a bronze bust portraying Sojourner Truth, a women's rights advocate and abolitionist. The bust was unveiled on April 28, 2009, by First Lady Michelle Obama for permanent display in the Emancipation Hall at the Capitol Visitor Centre. Actress Cicely Tyson performed Truth's "Ain't I a Woman?" speech.
The NCBW is a nonpartisan voice and instrument for the appointment of African American women at all levels of government and for increasing their participation in the educational, political, economic, and social arenas. Currently, NCBW provides opportunities for women to take leadership and decision-making positions in government, nonprofit organizations, and the private sector.
Their mission is to educate youth on the responsibilities of good citizenship and the importance of engaging the political process while providing opportunities for internships and other learning experiences at the local, state, national, and global levels. Other members included Rev. Willie Barrow, Lezli Baskerville, Dr. Mary Berry, Cardiss Collins, Dr. Dorothy I. Height, Alexis Herman, Charlene Drew Jarvis, Gloria Lawlah, Hilda Mason, Jewell Jackson McCabe, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Lavonia Perryman Fairfax, Johnnie Scott Rice, Wilhelmina J. Rolark, Esq., Hon. Mary Terrell, Esq., Pat Tyson, Shirley Wilcher, and Nadine Winter. During the 2010s, the group's funding and membership decreased.
On November 4, 2021, eight former board members filed a lawsuit against former organization president E. Faye Williams, accusing her of using organization funds for her enrichment. Board members were replaced, and an inspection was conducted by DC Code 29 413.05, Inspection of Records by Directors.
