History

The National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) was founded in 1935 by Mary McLeod Bethune to unify various Black women's organizations and advance their collective power. Bethune envisioned the NCNW as an "organization of organizations," a central body that could amplify the voices and address the needs of Black women on a national scale. It became a leading force in the Civil Rights Movement, advocating for social justice, political empowerment, and economic advancement for African American women and their communities. 

 

The National Council of Negro Women is an “organization of organizations” that enlightens, inspires, and connects more than 2,000,000 women and men. Comprised of 300 campus and community-based sections and 32 national women’s organizations, its mission is to lead, advocate for, and empower women of African descent, their families, and communities. The organization is unique in its approach to uniting and empowering women of African descent, setting it apart from other similar organizations.

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NCNW ILLINOIS STATE COALITION​

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The NCNW Illinois State Coalition was founded to unify and strengthen the efforts of local NCNW sections and affiliate organizations throughout the state. Inspired by the vision of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, who established the National Council of Negro Women to advocate for the advancement of Black women and their families, leaders across Illinois recognized the need for a centralized structure to coordinate initiatives, share resources, and amplify their collective impact. The formation of the coalition allowed for more strategic planning and consistent communication between chapters, creating a stronger and more cohesive presence within communities across Illinois.

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Since its inception, the Illinois State Coalition has served as a vital connector, fostering collaboration on statewide programs focused on education, economic empowerment, health equity, and social justice. It provides leadership development opportunities, supports grassroots advocacy, and represents the voices of Illinois NCNW members at the national level. The coalition’s formation marked a turning point, transforming individual efforts into a powerful, united force for change and continuing the legacy of service, strength, and sisterhood envisioned by NCNW’s founders.