National Council of Negro Women, Inc.

The National Council of Negro Women, Inc. (NCNW) is an "organization of organizations" (comprising over 300 campus and community-based sections and 32 national women's organizations) that enlightens, inspires and connects more than four million women and men and youth. NCNW's mission is to lead, advocate for and empower women of African descent, their families and communities. NCNW fulfills this mission through research, advocacy, national and community-based services and programs. NCNW was founded in 1935 by Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, a child of slaves, distinguished educator and activist. For more than fifty years, Dr. Dorothy Height was president of NCNW. In 2022, Dr. A. Lois Keith was elected Chair, ushering in a new era of continued progress and growth for the organization.  ​

The National Council of Negro Women, Inc. Greater Austin Section (NCNW Greater Austin) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1946 by Mrs. Marion Jackson Downs, wife of Dr. Karl Downs, the interim president of Samuel Huston College. Although initially short-lived, the Section made a significant impact in the Austin community before being reactivated and receiving its charter on October 24, 1974. Charter members include Ada DeBlanc Simond, Ingrid Myers Flack, Cecile Banks, and Vera Jones, who was elected Section Leader during a meeting in Rosewood Park. 

Over the years, the Greater Austin Section has organized numerous programs, including essay contests, book reviews, speaker forums, receptions, quiz bowls, membership drives, and our signature Membership Tea & Harambee Breakfast. 

Today, NCNW Greater Austin's initiatives are built on four areas of critical concern known as our Core 4.

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NCNW Core 4 Initiatives:

Economic Empowerment & Entrepreneurship

Social Justice

Health Equity

S.T.E.A.M & Education​​

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