LEADERSHIP

Founded in 1938, the Jacksonville Section of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) is a nonprofit, community-based organization with deep roots in service and advocacy. Among its original charter members was the renowned community leader Dr. Eartha M. M. White. Guided by the vision of NCNW founder Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, the section has remained committed to empowering individuals and strengthening communities through initiatives focused on social justice, health and wellness, S.T.E.A.M., economic empowerment, fundraising, and membership engagement.

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A cornerstone of the section’s legacy is the NCNW Reed Girls Program, named in honor of longtime member Ailene Reed and led by dedicated member Gertrude Peele. Operating from the Jacksonville NCNW House on Lentie Road, the program provided middle and high school girls with academic support, life-skills training, mentorship, and a safe environment to build meaningful relationships and develop the tools needed for lifelong success. Its impact continues to be remembered throughout the Jacksonville community.

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The Jacksonville Section is one of 21 community and collegiate sections in Florida operating under the Florida State Coalition of NCNW, Inc., and the National Council of Negro Women, Inc., headquartered in Washington, D.C. The section is composed of annual, life, and legacy life members, affiliate organizations, youth members, and affiliate men members who work collectively to advance NCNW’s mission.

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Throughout its history, the Jacksonville Section has been enriched by the contributions of distinguished members, including Willie Dennis, Eleanor Gay, Lois Gibson, Maya Angelou, and Dr. Johnnetta B. Cole, the organization’s seventh National President. As the section celebrates more than eight decades of service, it continues to honor its legacy while embracing new opportunities to make a lasting difference in the lives of those it serves.