Recognizing the Philadelphia Section of the National Council of Negro Women, Inc. on the occasion of its 75th Anniversary.

WHEREAS, The National Council of Negro Women, Inc. (“NCNW”) is an “organization of organizations,” comprised of 330 campus and community-based sections and 32 national women’s organizations, that enlightens, inspires and connects more than two million people; and

WHEREAS, NCNW was founded in 1935 by the prolific and influential educator, stateswoman and activist Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune. The organization was led by Dr. Dorothy Irene Height, President Emerita for more than 50 years. Currently, NCNW is led by President/Chief Executive Officer Dr. Shavon Arline-Bradley and Chair Dr. A. Lois Keith; and

WHEREAS, The then-Philadelphia Metropolitan Council of NCNW was organized in March 1945 and chartered on June 3, 1948 by national founder Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune and chartering president Alyse Maud Anderson, sister of globally renowned contralto Marian Anderson; and

WHEREAS, Joining Alyse Anderson as founding members of the Philadelphia Section were Mildred Burris, Olivia Henry, Dorothy Lymus, Ruth A. Scott and Gertrude Skidmore; and

WHEREAS, The Philadelphia Section, currently led by President Rhonda Holloway, remains steadfast and committed to its national mission: to lead, empower and advocate for women of African descent, their families and communities; and

WHEREAS, The membership of the Philadelphia section has been active, consistent, and visible over the decades, hosting events on their own and with partner organizations, for causes including voter engagement and registration, health and economic empowerment, youth empowerment, Letters from Mom and Dad (a recorded reading program for incarcerated parents and their children), annual Family Day, and, in conjunction with the Mayor’s Office, the Black Family Reunion; and

WHEREAS, NCNW programs are built on a foundation of critical concerns known as “Four for the Future:”

education

, with a focus on science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics;

financial health

, including entrepreneurship and financial literacy;

healthy living

, with a focus on preventative health; and

civic engagement

, especially as it relates to advocating for sound public policy and social justice; and

WHEREAS, All across the City of Philadelphia, one can find co-named streets, schools, health centers, and other landmarks bearing the names of past members and awardees of the NCNW Philadelphia Section. In addition, a mural at 4022 Parkside Avenue commemorates the history of the Black Family Reunion; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, By the Council of the City of Philadelphia, That it does hereby recognize the Philadelphia Section of the National Council of Negro Women, Inc. on the occasion of its 75th Anniversary.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to representatives of the Philadelphia Section of the National Council of Negro Women, Inc. as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.

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