2024 - 2026 Executive Committee
LeShonda Belton
Section President
Sadie Marie Davis
1st Vice President
Chandra Moore
2nd Vice President
Open
Treasurer
Sheree Odums
Financial Secretary
Omari Cannon
Corresponding Secretary
Open
Parliamentarian
M. Lisa Hollingsworth
Social Justice Chair
Natasha Rowe
Historian
Our Service Committees
National Council Negro Women (NCNW) is an “organization of organizations,” comprised of 330 campus and community-based sections and 33 national women’s organizations that enlightens, inspires, and connects more than 2,000,000 women and men. Its mission is to lead, advocate for, and empower women of African descent, their families, and communities. It was founded in 1935 by Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, an influential educator and activist, and for more than fifty years, the iconic Dr. Dorothy Height was president of NCNW.
Today, the NCNW programs are grounded on a foundation of critical concerns that are now “NCNW Priorities.” Our organization promotes education; encourages entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and economic stability; educates women about health and promotes healthcare access, and promotes civic engagement and advocates for sound public policy and social justice.
National History
NCNW was founded on December 5, 1935 by Mary McLeod Bethune, distinguished educator and government consultant. NCNW is an “organization of organizations”, a council of autonomous national organizations coming together to improve the quality of life for women. It functions as a clearinghouse, facilitating networking and coalition building, and advocating the use of collective power on issues affecting women, their families and communities. Mrs. Bethune described NCNW as “the need for a united organization of women to open doors for our young women, united so that when it speaks, its power will be felt.”
For nearly half a century, Dr. Dorothy Irene Height led the struggle for equality and human rights for all people. Her life exemplified her passionate commitment for a just society and her vision of a better world. In 1957, Dr. Dorothy I. Height was elected 4th National President of NCNW, Inc. Dr. Height established the Black Family Reunion Celebration in 1986 to reinforce the historic strengths and traditional values of the Black family. Under her leadership, NCNW purchased its national headquarters located on Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, DC. Dr. Height served the organization until 1998 when she became Chair and President Emerita.
East Bronx Section History
Marjorie McGhee, a native New Yorker, is member of the National Council of Negro Women, Inc. for over 40 years, she founded the East Bronx Section in 1987 and served four terms as president.
She is a Life and Legacy Life member and a 30-time Bethune-Height Recognition Program Achiever. Marjorie initiated several programs, including Reaching Adolescents & Parents (RAP), FATCO (Future Advancement through College Orientation), Unsung Hero Awards, Toys for Tots, and a program at the Bronx Veterans Hospital.
She is a Life and Golden Heritage member of the Bronx Branch NAACP. At Parkchester Baptist Church, she served as an Elder and Treasurer for the Rites of Passage Ministry and continues to serve as an Elder.
The East Bronx Section celebrates 39 years years of being an important force in the Southeast Bronx community and we thank Miss Marjorie McGhee for her bravery and foresight in bring a NCNW Section to the East Bronx.
