ENROLLED ORIGINAL
1
A CEREMONIAL RESOLUTION
25-153
IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
December 5, 2023
To recognize and celebrate the 80
th
Anniversary of the Washington Section of the National
Council of Negro Women, Inc.
WHEREAS, in 1943, the first organization of the National Council of Negro Women, Inc.
(NCNW) in the District of Columbia was the Washington Section formerly known as the
Washington Metropolitan Council. It was organized under the leadership of Romaine Brown, 8
years after the renowned educator and activist Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune founded NCNW in
1935;
WHEREAS, historically the Washington Section participates in NCNW’s national and
international initiatives and implements local service activities that make positive impacts upon
the lives of District of Columbia residents. Initiatives include the African American Women - “As
We Age” and the “Fit for Life” campaigns that were organized to promote healthy living;
WHEREAS, the Washington Section continues this legacy through volunteerism, service,
advocacy, and monetary donations in support of local causes in a variety of critical areas;
WHEREAS, in the area of health equity, Washington Section members have volunteered
at Howard University’s former Center for Handicapped Children and Youth and launched an
advocacy program for individuals with intellectual disabilities. The Section strengthened its
resolve to close the disparities in health care through its partnership with Pfizer Women’s Health
to sponsor an Evening Health Awareness for Today’s African American Women. Washington
Section members also participated in the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against
Breast Cancer (ACS/MSABC) Walk/Run and Resource Fair and two COVID-19 Town Halls.
The ACS/MSABC activity focused on providing breast cancer early detection and education
resources for men and women who have limited access to health care. The Washington Section
also has provided volunteers in support of distribution initiatives and activities, such as Project
Giveback, the Capital Area Food Bank, and delivering Thanksgiving baskets to seniors;
WHEREAS, in the areas of economic empowerment and workforce development, the
Washington Section partners with Suited for Change, a non- profit organization that provides
professional attire, coaching, and skills training to women in need who are seeking employment.
Section members also participated in the Mayor’s Office of Women’s Policy and Initiatives’
ENROLLED ORIGINAL
2
Women’s Equality Day in an effort to bring attention to and demonstrate support of policies that
eliminate pay discrimination and strengthen workplace protections for women;
WHEREAS, related to education and youth affairs, among many other projects, the
Washington Section created its “Mentoring Our Legacy” Program in partnership with Upward
Bound, hosting college prep workshops to assist District students with college scholarship essays
and identifying scholarship opportunities. Additionally , the Washington Section launched its
“Focused on My Future” Scholarship Program for graduating high school students seeking higher
education. Recently, the Washington Section adopted Hendley Elementary School in Southeast
Washington, DC, to provide financial resources and advocacy assistance;
WHEREAS, the Washington Section also engages in robust civic engagement efforts,
including a rich history of advocating for home rule and self-determination for the residents of the
District of Columbia. Additionally, members of the Section planned and implemented voter
registration drives and door-to-door get out the vote efforts, particularly in communities east of
the Anacostia River, where voter turnout has been historically low. Members of the Washington
Section also partnered with the National Capital Parks-East to create and complete a Dr. Martin
Luther King, Jr. Day of Service Beautification Project in Lincoln Park where their beloved
Founder’s statue is proudly located. Finally , the Section joined many other community- based
groups to advocate for an E arned Income Tax Credit program for District of Columbia low-
income, working families, resulting in the passage of legislation establishing a District Earned
Income Tax Credit;
WHEREAS, the theme for the Washington Section’s 80
th
Anniversary is “Celebrating 80
Years of Service, Leadership, and Excellence by Honoring Our Past, Inspiring Our Present,
Transforming Our Future”; and
WHEREAS, for 80 years since its founding, Washington Section NCNW members have
demonstrated their commitment to NCNW’s mission in providing leadership, service, and
excellence in support of women of African descent and their families in the District of Columbia.
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this
resolution may be cited as the “Washington Section of the National Council of Negro Women 80
th
Anniversary Ceremonial Recognition Resolution of 2023”.
Sec. 2. The Council recognizes and celebrates the diligent work and many achievements
of the Washington Section of the National Council of Negro Women, and salutes the community
service, political activism, and civic engagement that has defined its 80 years of existence .
Sec. 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately.