OUR PRESIDENT
Sisters and supporters of the National Association of Colored Women's Clubs Incorporated,
As we begin our journey into this new year we reflect on the things that have been with a renewed sense of hope for what could be. A new year offers us new opportunities to fulfill the mission of our organization that was created in 1896. Our founding mothers were a broad spectrum of colored women, ranging from educators and activists to entrepreneurs . They knew that we were and would be a diverse people with a diverse group of needs and they wanted this organization to be equipped to serve the needs of all the communities. Today I set out to remind you that we are equipped and because of that we must do the work set before us. Our country is dealing with issues that rival the Great Depression, Jim Crow Era and the Civil Rights Movement wrapped up in one. We must use our various strengths and talents to do our part in restoring ourselves and our communities. We can't wait on anyone else to do the work that we are equipped to do. We didn't wait in 1896, we were the first. How dare we wait now.
We must be flexible and use technology to our advantage in serving the needs of the community. During the holidays the Frances E. Watkins Collaborative Club (NJ) and the Fisk University Collegiate Chapter (TN) worked together and created a reading series for children. These videos were posted online (you tube) and social media sites (Facebook and Instagram), featuring various club members, community dignitaries, and the N.J. Lieutenant Governor. These sisters served children across the nation via literacy and increased the visibility of our organization. This is the work that we federated for! (FYI- The reading series can still be viewed and shared.) As I pen this note, the political atmosphere of our country is still fragile and will be for the next couple of weeks, if not months. We must brace ourselves for the challenges ahead and depend on our legacy of strength to carry us forward and propel us.
This year we will celebrate 125 years of continuous " Lifting As We Climb"!! That is NOT a small milestone for any organization but especially not a small milestone for an organization of double minorities (colored women). This would not be possible without the dedication and selflessness of women just like you. We must ensure that this legacy is passed forward so that when our life's journey is complete, the NACWC will still be serving the community while Lifting and Climbing. It is not about titles, nor the pomp and circumstance of traditions. It is about doing the work and creating opportunities for betterment and uplifting our communities. Our founding mothers risked it all to create this federation. They defied every hurdle and stereotype that came their way, sacrificing the individual for the collective. We must do the same. This new year we must resolve to work harder and do more, the future of our organization depends on it. Lifting As We Climb is the federated way of life, not just our motto.
With Love,
Andrea Brooks-Smith
NACWC 30th President
NACWC OFFICERS
2018-2020
President
Ms. Andrea Brooks-Smith
1st Vice President
Ms. Lilyn Hill
2nd Vice President
Mrs. Opal Bacon
3rd Vice President
Ms. LaKeshia Battle
Chair, Executive Council
Mrs. Laura Jamerson
Treasurer
Mrs. Sandra Lewis
Financial Secretary
Mrs. Mary Ann Rogers
1st Recording Secretary
Mrs. Carol Cooper
2nd Recording Secretary
Ms. Mary Collier
Chaplain
Mrs. Sheryl Brady
Parliamentarian
Dr. Lenola Allen Sommerville
Statistician
Ms. Diane Johnson
Historian
Dr. Arthelda Busch Williams
PAST NATIONAL PRESIDENTS
Ms. Sharon R. Bridgeforth
Mrs. Evelyn J. Rising
Dr. Patricia L. Fletcher
Dr. Dolores M. Harris