
The National Council of Negro Women, Inc.

NCNW Greater Austin Section History
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 Greater Austin Section is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in 1946 by Mrs. Marion Jackson Downs (wife of Dr. Karl Down, the interim president of Samuel Huston College.) The Section, though short-lived, made a powerful impact in the Austin community. The Section was re-activated and received its charter on October 23, 1974. Charter members are Ada DeBlanc Simond, Ingrid Myers Flack, Cecile Banks and Vera Jones. At a meeting in Rosewood Park, Vera Jones was elected Section Leader.
Through its years of service, Greater Austin Section's history includes a vast number of programs such as essay contests, book reviews, speaker forums, receptions, quiz bowls, membership drives and our signature Membership Tea and Harambee Breakfast.
Today, NCNW Greater Austin Section's programs are grounded on a foundation of four critical concerns known as "Four for the Future". NCNW Greater Austin Section promotes education, encourages economic empowerment through entrepreneurship and financial literacy, educates women about good health and health equity, and promotes civic engagement through voter education, advocating sound public policy and social justice.