History
The National Council of Negro Women, Inc. (NCNW) is a coalition consisting of 200 community-based sections in 32 states and 38 national organizational affiliates. With a reach that extends to over 3,000,000 women and men, NCNW aims to enlighten and inspire individuals from diverse backgrounds. One of the core principles of NCNW is its commitment to inclusivity. The organization welcomes all individuals, irrespective of their gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status.
The National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) was founded on December 5, 1935, by Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune to give African American women a collective national voice. The organization ensures that African American women have the same rights and opportunities as other women in the United States. NCNW advocates for the economic and social advancement of African American women and their families. The organization was dedicated to empowering African American women through educational and economic opportunities. It also provided a platform for African American women to advocate for their rights and fight for justice. Dr. Bethune dedicated her life to empowering Black women to work for equality.
She believed that African Americans could participate in American society. She believed that African Americans should be allowed to contribute to the nation's success and that their voices should be heard. She was also a strong advocate for education and literacy among African Americans. She dedicated her life to advocating for African American rights and providing opportunities for African American women.
Dr. Bethune worked as an educator, which led her to become an influential political activist and a leader in the fight for African American rights. She strongly believed that black women united could be a powerful force for political and social change. She founded the National Negro Business League, which was an organization dedicated to helping African Americans achieve economic success. She also founded the Mary McLeod Bethune Home for Girls, which provided shelter and education for young African American women. Bethune was a strong advocate for racial equality, and she was also a mentor and inspiration to African Americans. She was an important figure in the Civil Rights Movement, and her legacy still lives on today. She remains an inspiration to many, and her work continues to be remembered and honored. Her legacy serves as a reminder of the power of collective action and the importance of advocating for the rights of the most vulnerable. She used her platform to encourage others to join her cause, and she was a tireless advocate for equality. Dr. Bethune’s legacy continues to live on through her work and her inspiring message. NCNW provides a strong national voice on issues such as education, employment, health, and civil rights.
Dr. Lois A. Keith is a Legacy Life Member, Bethune Achiever, and distinguished leader within the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), having dedicated decades of service to advancing the organization’s mission. She has served in numerous national leadership roles, including National Vice President, National Membership Chair, Executive Member-at-Large, Assistant Secretary, and member of several national committees. She also co-chaired both the 57th and 60th NCNW National Conventions and has been a member of the President’s Circle.
At the local level, Dr. Keith provided exemplary leadership within the DeKalb Section, serving as President, Vice President, Secretary, Leadership Chair, and as a charter member of the DeKalb Pacesetters Life Guild. A passionate educator, she earned degrees from Alabama A&M University and Georgia State University and devoted 30 years to the Henry County School System, where she was recognized multiple times as Teacher of the Year and received numerous educational honors.
Her commitment to education, community service, and leadership has earned her widespread recognition, including a Georgia state proclamation, the Living the Legacy Award, the Hidden Figure Award, an honorary doctorate from American Bible University, the Vanguard Award of Excellence in Leadership, and a Lifetime Achievement Award. Beyond NCNW, Dr. Keith has held leadership positions in several civic and professional organizations, including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Top Ladies of Distinction, and retired educators’ associations. She remains an active community servant and church member in Atlanta, Georgia, and is the proud mother of one son, Darius.
Rev. Shavon Arline-Bradley is the President and CEO of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), becoming the first person to hold both titles in the organization’s history. Since assuming leadership in 2023, she has guided NCNW’s three-million-member network through expanded political advocacy, youth engagement, and educational initiatives. Notable accomplishments include leading the Freedom to Learn activation in Washington, D.C., and launching the Bethune Height Changemakers Pathways program, which connects collegiate Black women with mentorship and career opportunities.
A nationally recognized speaker and faith leader, Rev. Arline-Bradley has addressed audiences at the Lincoln Memorial, Washington National Cathedral, Chautauqua Institution, and Ebenezer Baptist Church. She was named one of the Washington Business Journal’s “Women Who Mean Business” in 2024.
Before NCNW, she founded R.E.A.C.H. Beyond Solutions, served in the Obama Administration under U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, and held senior leadership roles at the NAACP. A native of New Jersey, she holds degrees from Tulane University and Virginia Union University, executive certificates from Howard and Cornell Universities, and two honorary doctorates. She is ordained, active in several civic organizations, and is the wife of Andrew Bradley and mother of two children.
Florida State Coalition of National Council of Negro Women was chartered in the Fall 2020. The Florida State Coalition of NCNW operates semi-independently under national leadership headquarters in Washington, DC. The Florida State Coalition of NCNW has over 2,500 members.
The Florida State Coalition of NCNW President is Gwendolyn Fields. She is deeply honored to lead the Coalition as we continue on the journey to mobilize our network in achieving NCNW’s Programs that are grounded on a foundation of critical concerns known as “NCNW Priorities”. Our organization promotes education, encourages entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and economic stability; we educate women about health and healthcare access; and we promote civic engagement and advocate for sound public policy and social justice.The Florida State Coalition of NCNW works to improve the quality of life for women and their families through advocacy, education, healthcare, economic empowerment, and service. We are committed to creating a more inclusive and just society for all. The Florida State Coalition of NCNW has 21 community and collegiate sections that participate in the Good Health WINS Health initiative. We believe that good health is a key to unlocking potential and creating a better future for all. For instance, the Florida State Coalition of NCNW works with the University of South Florida’s chapter of Good Health WINS to provide free health screenings to low-income women in the community. By utilizing the Good Health WINS program, the Florida State Coalition of NCNW is investing in the future of its community and its members.