National council of Negro women opens chapter at Kean

The National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), an advocacy group for black women, opened a chapter at Kean and held its first meeting on March 14.

The organization was founded in 1935 by Mary McLeod Bethune to unify black women through means of economic, social, cultural and spiritual awareness of their families and communities.

Since NCNW’s chartering on March 14 this year, a chartering ceremony was held to bring awareness to the organization on April 29.

NCNW charter party. Photo Courtesy of National Council of Negro Women.

NCNW is a non-profit organization which has grown into an alliance of 200 community-based sections in 38 states and 38 national organizations to advance opportunities, and the quality of life for African American women, their families and communities.

Over 3 million women and men have come together to build the organization and to bring awareness to issues such as education, economic stability, health, civic engagement and public policies for women of color.

The executive board (eboard) at Kean is adamant about providing information and ways to showcase the mission of the organization.

The eboard now consists of the following Kean students, president Sade Govan-Smith, vice presidents Tierra Booker, Dazhane’ Gordon, and Erica Allen, secretary Biasia Young, treasurer Janalya Brown, chaplain Jenell Boykins, historian ChelseaLeon, parliamentarian Amber Burnett and advisor Lisia Aikens.

President Govan-Smith, senior, studying communication understands the stigmas and issues that come along with being a woman of color and finds importance in showcasing the power of Black women.

“My responsibilities as president for this illustrious organization is to advocate for this council, to play the role as a big sister, and to let the freshman, sophomore, and junior class know that I am here for them,” said Govan-Smith. “I am the face of this organization and I could not be more honored.”

“This organization has opened up so many doors for me, where I have been able to meet older women inside the organization who have filled the role as a big sister to me; women who are willing to share their knowledge with me. I am forever grateful,” continued Govan-Smith.

Participating in the NCNW organization, students can expect to dig deep into topics that heavily impact the African American community.

“National Council of Negro Women is truly like no other organization,” said Govan-Smith. “This organization is for every young lady who has been battling with issues but never talked about it, every young lady who has been bullied because her skin is too dark, every young lady who feels like they do not belong. NCNW is that outlet for you.”

Hooker, a junior transitioning into senior year, studying biology pre-occupational therapy with a minor in psychology heard about NCNW through peers who were a part of the organization prior.

“There is no organization on campus like NCNW because it encompasses components of service, empowerment, and educational development, three things that provide both community and individual-based impact,” said Hooker. “As a woman of color, I wanted to be a part of that, to create a culture that is essential and an impact that should be embraced.”

Allen, a senior studying global business appreciates the tools NCNW has given her to assist in bettering the community and establishing black excellence within herself and others. Leon, a sophomore studying political science and history is a person that loves to help others so being a part of the eboard gives her a platform to build the organization at Kean.

Brown, a junior double majoring in political science and criminal justice hopes to create a “homey” atmosphere for the minorities on campus.

“I find that we only come together for homecoming or Meet the Greeks, but we don’t really have a place for us to just unwind and talk with each other and get connected. I personally feel as though we are the ones individuals here will look up to for guidance, help, or just a friend,” said Brown.

Gordon, senior and sociology major, who heard of the organization through the founding president, found that she was able to be a part of something that was different for black women.

“Being a part of the e-board has been nothing but beneficial. For instance, being involved in the NCNW has help me find a place on campus,” said Burnett. “It has provided me with a support system and a close bond with many others who share the same aspirations as me. The goals of the NCNW are to progress and advocate fellow women of African descent; students who want to [be] involved. We will implement growth and support simply in our programs and environment we promote.”

NCNW National Vice Chair E. Tonya Greenwood, 2018-2020 President Naje` Sandoz, Founding President Delois Blackmon. Photo Courtesy of National Council of Negro Women

Glenne De Gonzague is a senior majoring in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice.

“The main goal of the organization is to promote education focusing on science, technology, engineering, and math,” said De Gonzague.

“These concerns are called ‘Four for the Future’ which encourages entrepreneurship, financial literacy and economic stability, educating women on good health, and civic engagement.”

Through workshops, activities and conversations, students can address the topics of self-care, values, esteem, mental health, confidence, and success while creating educational opportunities for themselves.

“This organization is essential to this campus, National Council of Negro Women is the voice for every young lady that is afraid to speak up, that is afraid to say “ME TOO”, this organization will shed light on issues within the black community that negatively impact women of color,” said Govan-Smith.