National Congress of Black Women facts for kids
The National Congress of Black Women, Inc. (NCBW) is a group created in 1984 to support the growth of African American women and their families. It is a nonprofit organization, which means its main goal is to help the community, not to make a profit.
The NCBW helps African American women get involved in education, politics, business, and culture. It works to make sure their voices are heard and that they have opportunities to become leaders. The group is also non-partisan, meaning it does not support any single political party. Instead, it focuses on issues that are important to the community.
One of its main goals is to teach young people about being good citizens and why it's important to participate in politics. The NCBW also creates chances for students to get hands-on experience through internships.
History and Founders
The NCBW was started by several important leaders. The first chairs of the organization were Shirley Chisholm and Dr. C. Delores Tucker.
Who Were the Founding Chairs?
- Shirley Chisholm was a true trailblazer. In 1968, she became the first African American woman ever elected to the U.S. Congress. In 1972, she was the first African American woman to run for President of the United States.
- Dr. C. Delores Tucker was the first African American woman to serve as the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. She was a powerful voice for civil rights and women's rights.
Other famous founders included Dr. Dorothy Height, a leader in the civil rights movement, and Coretta Scott King, an author, activist, and the wife of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Honoring a Hero
The National Congress of Black Women wanted to honor the legacy of Sojourner Truth. She was a famous abolitionist who fought to end slavery and a strong supporter of women's rights.
The NCBW hired the artist Artis Lane to create a bronze statue of Sojourner Truth. On April 28, 2009, the statue was officially revealed by First Lady Michelle Obama. It is now on permanent display in the Emancipation Hall at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center in Washington, D.C.
During the ceremony, the famous actress Cicely Tyson performed Sojourner Truth's powerful speech, "Ain't I a Woman?"
