Local section of National Council of Negro Women marks 75 years
Springfield was awash in purple and gold Saturday evening as the Clark County Springfield Section of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) celebrated its 75th anniversary with a gala event.
About 260 people from as far as Detroit and several Ohio cities descended on the Courtyard by Marriott to mark the occasion by sharing the organization’s rich history, recognizing its longest-standing members and looking to the future. The majority of the attendees wore mainly purple and some gold formals, recognizing the NCNW’S recognized color scheme.
The NCNW formed in 1935 to empower women of color in workplaces and neighborhoods to fight for things including social justice and health care, against disparity and to make sure women are informed and educated about what’s going on around them, according to Twyla Clark, who co-chaired the gala with Rebekah Biles.
As the group was hitting the milestone anniversary, the women had a desire to go big. In doing so, the event sold out quickly with requests for tickets still coming in as the event approached.
“We billed it as a gala, an opportunity to dress up. People were excited to do something fun and different,” Clark said of the response.
Clark County Springfield Section member Joyce Chilton was the evening’s emcee. She said the organization has reached 75 years because of the members supporting each other and never giving up on supporting the community.
The group contributes to the community by supporting various health causes including the minority health fair; helping the homeless with items like blessing bags and hygiene items; contributing baskets to the needy during the holidays; fighting food insecurity; and being present at celebrations such as the Memorial Day parade.
Springfield City Commissioner Krystal Phillips Brown read a proclamation from the city recognizing the anniversary. Remarks were made by NCNW Ohio president Janice Taylor and NCNW executive committee member-atlarge Loretta Gray.
“75 years, that’s a long time. I’m thinking the Clark County Springfield Section is one of the longest-standing sections in the country,” Gray said. There are 330
NCNW sections nationally.
Biles and Emily Lucas gave a presentation on the section’s history and founder Sadey Glanton.
With the 75th anniversary behind, the Clark County Springfield Section is focusing on 100 years next. They have 73 members currently and to get there, Clark said the group needs to continue being active in the community and meet changing times, especially in recruiting new members.
“There’s been ups and downs and challenges, but we’ve weathered the storm. We need to let our story be known and catch the attention of younger women. It’s a platform for them as well as most of our members are seasoned,” she said.
For more information about the NCNW Clark County Springfield Section, go to its Facebook page.