Mary McLeod Bethune was an extraordinary educator, civil rights leader, and government official. She employed her diverse talents when she founded the National Council of Negro Women in 1935. 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.
Today, NCNW consists of over 39 national affiliates and over 240 sections, connecting more than 4,000,000 women to the organization! Mrs. Bethune's dedication and remarkable achievements continue to inspire the mission and work of NCNW.
"It is our pledge to make a lasting contribution to all that is finest and best in America, to cherish and enrich her heritage of freedom and progress by working for the integration of all her people regardless of race, creed, or national origin, into her spiritual, social, cultural, civic, and economic life, and thus aid her to achieve the glorious destiny of a true and unfettered democracy."
— Founder Mary McLeod Bethune's Pledge for NCNW