December 5

The National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) was founded on December 5, 1935 by the legendary educator and civil rights leader Mary McLeod Bethune in New York City.

Recognizing the need for a unified voice for Black women, Bethune brought together representatives from numerous organizations to create a coalition that would address the social, political, and economic challenges facing African American communities. The founding of the NCNW marked a bold and strategic step in empowering Black women to take active roles in shaping public policy and advocating for civil rights.

From its inception, the NCNW focused on a range of critical issues, including voting rights, education, economic justice, and healthcare access. During the height of segregation and systemic discrimination, the council provided a platform for Black women to organize and lead grassroots initiatives that supported their communities. It also served as a training ground for leadership, equipping generations of women with the skills and confidence needed to influence change at local, national, and international levels.

The NCNW played a pivotal role during the civil rights movement. It mobilized thousands of women for voter registration drives, lobbied for anti-lynching legislation, and partnered with other civil rights organizations to fight for equal opportunity. Under Bethune’s leadership and that of her successors, the council championed racial justice not only in America but also globally, participating in international conferences and working with the United Nations to advocate for human rights.

Throughout its history, the organization has built strong partnerships with faith groups, civic leaders, and policymakers. The NCNW also created programs aimed at economic empowerment, health education, and youth development, including initiatives to combat poverty and improve access to resources in underserved communities. These programs have had lasting effects, supporting Black families and creating pathways for upward mobility.

Today, the National Council of Negro Women continues its mission as a nonprofit dedicated to “leading, advocating for and empowering women of African descent, their families and communities.” Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the NCNW remains a vital force in American society. Its legacy is a testament to the power of collective action and the enduring leadership of Black women who have shaped, and continue to shape, the course of American history.

** The Dorothy I. Height Building, historically known as the Central National Bank or Apex Building, is the national headquarters of the National Council of Negro Women. It is located at 633 Pennsylvania Avenue NW in the Penn Quarter neighborhood of Washington, D.C. Built in 1860 to the designs of noted architect Alfred B. Mullett, the Late Victorian-style Dorothy I. Height Building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In addition, the building is designated as a contributing property to the Pennsylvania Avenue National Historic Site and the Downtown Historic District.