The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
SISTERHOOD GROWS
National Council of Negro Women Lorain County Section holds Meet and Greet
The National Council of Negro Women Lorain County Section hosted a Meet and Greet Member Mixer in Elyria on April 20.
The nonprofit organization hosts the event annually in an effort to not only recruit more members but also to allow members and guests an opportunity to enjoy each others’ fellowship.
The group held the free event open to the public at 200 Middle Ave., Suite 100, in Elyria.
“We are here in sisterhood,” said Dr. LaTaunya Conley, the group’s chaplain, as she opened the event with a prayer.
The guests were invited to meet each other, network and learn about the mission, purpose and membership with likeminded women who have a passion for community and service, according to a news release.
Shortly after the doors opened, several people had expressed interest in joining the organization as new members, said Tamara Jones, the group’s membership chairwoman and second vice-president.
“We want to keep our legacy going,” Jones said. “I love it.”
While the group consists of 84 members, which include people from the ages of 10 to 90 years of age, new members are always welcome, said President of the Lorain Section of the NCNW Regan Phillips.
Phillips has served as president for the past four years.
Having a wide range of age groups involved in the organization is vital to its existence, said Phillips.
Instead of referring to the older members as senior citizens, the group prefers to refer to them as “wisdom walkers,” Phillips said.
“It’s important for us as an organization that has such a wide range of members over our lifespan to make sure that we’re always mindful of their age as well as who we are with new members and younger members and to bridge that gap because it’s always the wisdom of the wisdom walkers who we meet and their legacy and the brilliancy of the younger generation that’s coming behind them that we need in order for our organization to continue to thrive,” said Phillips. “And, so, that’s what I love about NCNW across the nation when we have the opportunity to go to our national conventions and events across the state and across the nation. Those are the things we see amongst our membership.”
The organization is funded through donations from individuals, corporations in addition from grants from various foundations.
The group’s mission is “to lead, advocate and empower women of African American descent, their families and communities,” according to its website. “The Lorain County Section fulfills our mission through community service activities, projects, events and collaborations with community partners and affiliate organizations.”