NATIONAL NCNW PRESIDENT SHAVON ARLINE-BRADLEY, U.S. SUPREME COURT JUSTICE KETANJI BROWN JACKSON, NATIONAL NCNW BOARD CHAIR DR. A. LOIS KEITH.
by Janice Gladden and Ebony Pugh
Fourteen members of the Rankin/Mon Valley/Pittsburgh (RMVP) Section of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) recently joined over 1,400 members and affiliates for the NCNW national convention, held October 9-13 at the Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor Hotel. The convention reinforced NCNW’s historic mission to lead, advocate for, and empower women of African descent and provided an uplifting experience for attendees.
Under the leadership of President and CEO Reverend Shavon Arline-Bradley and Board Chairman Dr. A. Lois Keith, the event featured workshops, dynamic keynote addresses, and panel discussions with elected officials, activists, and human rights advocates. The theme, Our Voice. Our Power. Together, Our Future, set the tone for the work NCNW sections will undertake in the coming year.
Notable speakers included Maryland Governor Wes Moore, Baltimore City Mayor Brandon M. Scott, former U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexis Herman, and NAACP President Derrick Johnson. A highlight was a panel featuring two Black women speakers of state legislatures: Pennsylvania Speaker Joanna McClinton and Maryland Speaker Adrienne Jones. Additional panelists included Texas Representative Jasmine Crockett, U.S. Senate candidate Angela Alsobrooks, Urban League President Marc Morial, and Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights CEO Maya Wiley.
A highlight of the event was a panel discussion featuring three past NCNW Presidents—Dr. Barbara Shaw, Dr. Johnetta B. Cole, and Dr. Thelma T. Daley—who reflected on the organization’s rich history and legacy of sisterhood and advocacy. White House Correspondent and MSNBC Political Analyst April Ryan served as moderator for a town hall meeting that delved into the intergenerational perspective of Black women from diverse political perspectives.
NCNW MEMBERS ERNESTINE TAYLOR AND ANITA WALKER.
The Bethune-Height Recognition “Hats Off” Luncheon gave attendees the opportunity to pay tribute to Rankin’s Dr. Dorothy I. Height’s passion and flare for wearing hats. Her hats reflected her unique style and were made by many top designers, including Vanilla Beane, a Black milliner. Dr. Height’s hats have been displayed in museums and were featured on a U.S. Postal stamp.
During the Closing Dinner and Sisterhood Soiree, NCNW member, Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson was honored with the prestigious Mary McLeod Bethune Trailblazer Award, followed by a captivating performance by singer Lalah Hathaway. The convention concluded with an inspirational Harambee Service, where hundreds of Black women, dressed in African attire, gathered for a memorial service, praise, and worship. Award-winning gospel artist Brian Courtney Wilson provided powerful musical inspiration.
The mission of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) is to lead, advocate for, and empower women of African descent, their families, and their communities. Founded in 1935 by Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, NCNW has a rich history of leadership, with Dr. Dorothy Irene Height serving as president for over 50 years. Wax figures of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune and Dr. Dorothy Height were prominently displayed at the convention.
The RMVP Section, chartered in 2010 and serving Rankin, the Mon Valley, and Greater Pittsburgh, was named in honor of Dr. Height’s hometown of Rankin, PA. The section actively promotes unity among women in addressing educational, cultural, economic, social and civic matters.
In August, newly elected officers, Kathleen Rawlins, President, Curtistine Walker, 1st Vice President, Anita Walker, 2nd Vice President, Rankin Mayor Joelisa McDonald, 3rd Vice President, Tara Dean, Treasurer, and Ebony Pugh, Recording Secretary, were sworn in. Rawlins, who is highlighted in NCNW SISTERS Magazine, exemplifies community service and advocacy.
The RMVP Section is actively recruiting new members who are committed to serving Black women, families, and communities. For more information about joining RMVP or partnering in their community efforts, please visit:
rankinpittsburghncnw.org.