Honoring and recognizing the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Pennsylvania Chapter, on the occasion of its 28th Annual Madam C.J. Walker Luncheon and Economic Development Seminar.

WHEREAS, The National Coalition of 100 Black Women (NCBW) is a 32-year old advocacy organization that advocates on behalf of women of color through national and local actions and strategic alliances that promote NCBW's agenda on leadership development and gender equity in the areas of health, education and economic empowerment. The Organization has chartered over 75 chapters, in 25 states and has a current membership of some 7,500 women; and

WHEREAS, The Coalition NCBW implements programs that provide an effective network among Black women, establish links between NCBW and the corporate and political sectors, enable Black women to be a visible force in the socioeconomic arena, meet the career needs of these women and facilitate their access to mainstream America, use the tools of role modeling and mentoring to provide meaningful guidance to young women, and recognize the historic and current achievements of Black women; and

WHEREAS, Sarah Breedlove as born on December 23, 1867 in Delta, Louisiana. She was one of six children and was the first child in her family born into freedom after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed; and

WHEREAS, Like many women of her era, Breedlove experienced hair loss. Because most Americans lacked indoor plumbing, central heating and electricity, they bathed and washed their hair infrequently. Breedlove experimented with home remedies and products already on the market until she finally developed her own shampoo and an ointment that contained sulfur to make her scalp healthier for hair growth. Breedlove, now known as Madam C.J. Walker, was selling her products throughout the United States; and

WHEREAS, In 1910 Walker moved to Indianapolis where she established her headquarters and built a factory. She began to teach and train other Black women in order to help them build their own businesses. She also gave other lectures on the political, economic and social issues at conventions sponsored by powerful black institutions; and

WHEREAS, Madam C. J. Walker died on May 25, 1919 at the age of 51. At her death she was considered to be the wealthiest African-American woman in America and known to be the first self-made female American millionaire. Madam Walker was inducted into the Junior Achievement U.S. Business Hall of Fame at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago in 1990, the National Women's Hall of Fame, in Seneca Falls, New York, the National Cosmetology Hall of Fame and the National Direct Sales Hall of Fame; and

WHEREAS, The National Coalition of Black Women, Pennsylvania Chapter, is honoring the memory of Madam C.J. Walker by hosting its 28th Annual Madam C.J. Walker Luncheon and Economic Development Seminar on March 1, 2014; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby honors and recognizes the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Pennsylvania Chapter, on the Occasion of its 28th Annual Madam C.J. Walker Luncheon and Economic Development Seminar.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the National Coalition of Black Women, Pennsylvania Chapter, as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.

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