The National Council of Negro Women (N.C.N.W.), Champaign County Chapter, are an affiliate of the National organization founded in 1935 by Mary McLeod Bethune.
Mrs. Odessa Hudson saw the need for the National Council of Negro Women here in Champaign County. In October of 1981 fifty women came together at the call of Mrs. Odessa Hudson at Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, 401 E. Park St. Champaign. Mrs. Rosie Bean who lived in Chicago and was part of the National Organization was here to help the group organize. The group elected Shirley Walker as the first president. Mrs. Rebecca J. Williams served after Shirley pursued her career in another city. Mrs. Anna Wall Scott was our 3rd President. Under her tenure the group were affiliated with the United Negro College Fund. Mrs. Scott helped NCNW sponsor events featuring Albertine Walker, William Warfield and many others. Mrs. Billie Campbell was the group's 4th President. Under the tenure of Mary Haywood, the group's 5th President the group initiated the following events: Evening with NCNW, Taste of NCNW, Wealth of Music, Evening of Cultural Diversity and May Fellowship. Ruthie Hillsman became the 6th President and
among many other activities began annual Gala, Mother's Day Brunch, and bus excursions to Black Expo in Indianapolis. Beverly Lacey was the 7th president and Rita Myles was the 8th President. Currently, Carol Lewis serves as president number 9. Her term ends in September 2012.
External Links
Find more about the history of N.C.N.W. at eBlackCU: http://bit.ly/JSQUty