Recognizing the 90th anniversary of the National Council of Negro Women and honoring its historic legacy and continued service to the Nation.

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 968 Introduced in House (IH)]

<DOC>






119th CONGRESS
  1st Session
H. RES. 968

Recognizing the 90th anniversary of the National Council of Negro Women 
 and honoring its historic legacy and continued service to the Nation.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                           December 18, 2025

 Ms. Waters submitted the following resolution; which was referred to 
            the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
Recognizing the 90th anniversary of the National Council of Negro Women 
 and honoring its historic legacy and continued service to the Nation.

Whereas the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) was founded in 1935 by 
        educator, stateswoman, and civil rights leader Mary McLeod Bethune, who 
        envisioned a unified organization of Black women to make a better world, 
        and worked tirelessly to advance opportunities for African American 
        women, families, and communities;
Whereas, for 90 years, NCNW has served as a leading national organization 
        dedicated to advocating for racial justice, gender equality, economic 
        opportunity, civil rights, and social progress for Black women, their 
        families, and their communities;
Whereas under the transformative and unparalleled leadership of Dr. Dorothy 
        Irene Height, who served as president for 42 years, NCNW strengthened 
        its national infrastructure, expanded its advocacy footprint, elevated 
        the voices of African American women in the civil and human rights 
        movements, and launched signature initiatives that reshaped the national 
        conversation on race, gender, family, and equity;
Whereas Dr. Height's visionary leadership led to the creation of hallmark NCNW 
        programs, including the Black Family Reunion, an annual celebration of 
        Black culture, unity, and intergenerational strength that continues to 
        uplift families, fortify communities, and reinforce traditions that 
        advance collective progress;
Whereas NCNW has remained a vital voice for social and economic justice through 
        its longstanding commitment to economic empowerment programs, community 
        health and wellness initiatives, STEM education, and leadership 
        development for girls, which reduce disparities, expand opportunity, and 
        strengthen communities nationwide;
Whereas NCNW today represents more than 2 million women, is comprised of a 
        vibrant network of community and collegiate sections and 330 affiliate 
        organizations across the United States, and continues to be an essential 
        pillar of civic leadership, volunteerism, and social advocacy;
Whereas NCNW's enduring influence is symbolized by its historic headquarters on 
        Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, DC, the only Black-owned building on 
        Pennsylvania Avenue, a fixture in the civic and cultural landscape of 
        the Nation's capital and a gathering place for generations of leaders 
        committed to advancing equality and justice;
Whereas, under the current stewardship of Rev. Shavon Arline-Bradley, President 
        and Chief Executive Officer, NCNW continues to build on the legacies of 
        Bethune and Height, expanding national partnerships, strengthening 
        community-driven programs, and preparing a new generation of leaders who 
        carry forward the organization's core mission ``to lead, empower, and 
        advocate''; and
Whereas, in its 90th year, NCNW remains a testament to the power of organized 
        womanhood and the enduring legacy of Black women's leadership in shaping 
        a more just and equitable future for all: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) recognizes and celebrates the 90th anniversary of the 
        founding of the National Council of Negro Women;
            (2) honors the vision and legacy of Mary McLeod Bethune and 
        Dr. Dorothy Irene Height, whose leadership and commitment to 
        justice laid the foundation for the National Council of Negro 
        Women's national impact;
            (3) commends the ongoing leadership of Rev. Shavon Arline-
        Bradley and the women of the National Council of Negro Women 
        who continue to advance programs that strengthen families, 
        expand economic and educational opportunity, promote health 
        equity, and empower communities;
            (4) acknowledges the national presence of the National 
        Council of Negro Women and its multigenerational membership 
        whose collective service continues to uplift millions of 
        Americans;
            (5) recognizes the Black Family Reunion and other signature 
        National Council of Negro Women programs as vital cultural 
        institutions that celebrate unity, affirm identity, and 
        reinforce the strength of Black families and communities;
            (6) reaffirms the House of Representatives appreciation for 
        the National Council of Negro Women as a civic leader, 
        community anchor, and enduring fixture on Pennsylvania Avenue, 
        embodying the spirit of justice, service, and empowerment; and
            (7) encourages all Americans to join in celebrating the 
        National Council of Negro Women's 90 years of leadership, 
        advocacy, and transformative impact.
                                 <all>