MISSION AND HISTORY

Our Mission
Our mission is to promote and protect the interests of African American business and professional women; to serve as a bridge for young people seeking to enter business and the professions; to improve the quality of life in the local and global communities; and to foster good fellowship.

Historical Overview
The late Emma Odessa Young, a realtor from New York City and a member of the New York Club of Business and Professional Women, conceived the idea of a national organization of business and professional women in 1934.

Unfortunately, Mrs. Young became an invalid and never sought to head the organization. Although an invalid, Mrs. Young’s mind was alert and her interest keen. She was satisfied to witness the progress of the organization before her passing in 1944.

In July of 1935, Mrs. Ollie Chinn Porter, president of the New York Club, extended an invitation to local clubs, organized as Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, to join and form a national organization.

The Founders were Emma Odessa Young, Ollie Chinn Porter and Effie Diton of New York City; Bertha Perry Rhodes, Josephine B. Keene and Adelaide Flemming of Philadelphia; and Pearl Flippen of Atlantic City.

Our History
After a year of meetings, the first convention was held in Atlantic City, New Jersey on July 9-11, 1936, at the Asbury Methodist Episcopal Church on Artic Avenue. Elected as the first national president was Mrs. Ollie Chinn Porter. The aim of this newly formed national organization was then, as it is today, to attract women of high caliber to organize similar clubs within their communities. Facing the realities of the times, their daring and inspiring goals were to share their experiences and exchange information; to protect their interest and to encourage and develop opportunities for black women in businesses and professions.

During this time in our history, black people were called “Negroes”. Very few had businesses or professions. Many were still deep in the throes of the depression. The fact that these black women had the courage to found such an optimistic organization is astounding and a lasting testimony to their faith in themselves, our people, and the future.

The Founders were owners, managers, college graduates, and other professionally licensed women, who had managed to realize some measure of personal success, at a time when there was not a national movement to improve the lot of black Americans; where there was no black capitalism program, nor any black studies curricula. Still, these women felt prepared to offer leadership.

Over the years, NANBPWC, Inc. has grown in numbers and scope, conducting many needed community service activities that go far beyond the original purpose. Women have come a long way and so has NANBPWC, Inc.

 

Past Presidents of NANBPWC, Inc. 

 <Click>  to view Past Presidents .

 

Significant Dates in NANBPWC, Inc. History:

 

April 12 - Birthday of Mrs. E. Odessa Young, who conceived the idea of a national organization of Negro business and professional women.

 
July 12-13,1935 - NANBPWC, Inc. founded in New York City

July 9-11, 1936 - First convention held in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Mrs. Ollie Chinn Porter was elected National President

Oct. 25, 1940 - The Association was incorporated under the laws of New York State

 

Oct. 30, 1943 - Publication of the first issue of “Responsibility”, official organ of the Association. Mrs. Sadye J. Williams was the first editor. The cover of the first issue was designed by the late renowned sculptor, Augusta Savage. The picture was designed from a plaque which she presented at the 1939 New York World’s Fair called “War Mothers.” Mrs. Savage was a member of the New York Club. Her best known work of sculpture. “Lift Every Voice and Sing” was exhibited at the entrance of the 1939 World’s Fair.

 
Oct.24-26, 1947 - The Sojourner Truth Award accepted as a National Award at the 12th Annual Convention, under the presidency of Mrs. Florence Madison Hill.

 

1949 - Events Designation of Red and Yellow as NANBPWC colors

• Designation of the yellow tea rose as club flower
• Designation and adoption of National Insignia (two hands holding the world), designed by Paul Keen, Jr.
• Presentation of the first Sojourner Truth Scroll to Mrs. Evelyn Reynolds by the Philadelphia Club
• Establishment of the first African Project
• First Life Membership to Dr. Charlotte Hawkins Brown, Founder and President of Palmer Memorial Institute in Sedalia, North Carolina  

NANBPWC, Inc. Insignia:
Represents the world in the hands of women

NANBPWC, Inc. National Colors:
Red and Yellow

NANBPWC, Inc. National Flower:
Yellow Tea Rose

NANBPWC, Inc. Official Publication:
RESPONSIBILITY

NANBPWC, Inc. National Matriarch:
  to view information regarding Sojourner Truth .

NANBPWC, Inc.
1806 New Hampshire Ave, N.W.
Washington, DC 20009

(202) 483-4206

email: info@nanbpwc.org

website: www.nanbpwc.org

NBUFC # 10458

(National Black United Federation of Charities)