Organizational History
On October 24, 1981, representatives from 14 states and the District of Columbia founded the National Coalition of 100 Black Women (NCBW). In 1984 the Coalition of 100 Black Women/ Community Services Fund, established a nonprofit 501(c)3 corporation which serves as an umbrella for programs carried out by its sister corporation, the National Coalition of 100 Black
Women (NCBW).
NCBW is an outgrowth of dedicated African American women in New York City who worked to address problems that affected their families, their communities, and themselves. From these
efforts the NCBW was developed.
Today, the national movement has garnered thousands of members over the years throughout 60 chapters representing 28 states.
NCBW's unique strengths derive from the units that have proven to be the building blocks of national organizations with longevity: its local chapter structure and the members it is able to attract and mobilize. Membership is open to all Black women who want to make a difference in their communities. The idealism demonstrated by all members, young, seasoned and wise, has enabled NCBW to bridge the much-deplored generation gap in Black organizations. Each chapter is driven by a committee structure with concrete programs and activities. Members on the committees-education, economic empowerment, health, political action, and civic and community service-initiate and develop programs that respond to the specific character of each community in which NCBW is based.
Chapter History
The National Coalition of 100 Black Women (NCBW), Inc. Metropolitan St. Louis Chapter was chartered by the late Dr. Fredda Witherspoon, educator and civic leader. The Chapter was chartered on March 10, 1984 by the First National President Jewel Jackson McCabe. The Chapter has dedicated its existence as a leadership forum, and a medium through which women can develop and implement action plans designed to attain social, economic and political gains.
NCBW is a progressive organization of Black Women dedicated to ensuring that women fully participate in the opportunities, benefits and rewards of society.
Vision
Our vision is to see black women and girls will live in a world where socio-economic inequity does not exist.
NCBW Core Values
We believe in…
•Gender equity
•Inclusion
•Respect
•Racial & social justice
•Integrity & accountability
•Economic empowerment
•Collaboration
Our Agenda
•Health
•Education
•Economic Empowerment
•Strategic Alliances
•Civic Engagement
We exist to:
•Foster principles of equal rights and opportunities;
•Promote the awareness of Black culture;
•Develop the potential of the membership for effective leadership and participation in civic affairs;
•Take action on specific issues of national and international importance, and
•Cooperate with other persons and organizations to achieve mutual goals.
Program Overview
The Metropolitan St. Louis Chapter of NCBW focuses on five major Organizational Efforts:
ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT
• Advocates for African American women through partnerships, that focus on individual investment practices.
• Promotes growth in African American women owned businesses.
• Hosts Sister-Nomics workshops that focus on areas such as saving, investing, home ownership and wills.
EDUCATION
• Offers a scholarship program for academically promising Metropolitan based Black women, ages 30 and above.
• Promotes STEAM Education and Vocational/College preparation.
HEALTH
• Promotes awareness and education of health problems affecting African American women such as mental illness, family and children obesity, cancer/health disparities and metabolic disease.
PUBLIC POLICY
• Bring awareness to current issues that affect women as a whole and the community at large.
• Advocates voter registration, education and rights.
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
• Provide women with the tools and resources to access leadership roles.
• Mentoring program, Changed by Design, for young girls in their early formative years.