History
The National Council of Negro Women Inc. was founded in 1935 by Mary McLeod Bethune, this “organization of organizations” includes and welcomes women of all racial and cultural backgrounds to work together while harnessing the power and extending the leadership of African American Women through a national network.
Since its inception, the Bethune- Leonard section has sponsored and supported community service projects and programs promoting healthy lifestyles, education, and economic empowerment. The organization disseminates information about issues affecting African American women and their families, sponsors Black Family gatherings, and recognizes individuals for outstanding efforts in the community.
The organizational meeting was held on the 3rd Saturday of October 1987 under the leadership of Reverend Helen T. McKune. The organizational meetings were held in the educational facilities of Calvary A.M.E. Church, 2040 Groveland Avenue, North Charleston. The charter was issued effective September 3, 1988. More than seventy members were chartered in the auditorium of the South Carolina Electric and Gas Company, Citadel Mall, Charleston, SC. Mrs. Sarah C. Leonard, State Convener, and one of the namesakes of the section bestowed the charter. The section honored its mentors in becoming the Bethune-Leonard Section of NCNW, Inc.
At a national convention in 2003, the late Dr. Dorothy I. Height, past chairperson and president emeritus, mandated that every section include the city in which the section is chartered within the name of the section, thus the North Charleston Bethune-Leonard Section of NCNW, Incorporated was so named. We strive to address local needs through the collective efforts of phenomenal women who seek peaceful solutions to the problems of human welfare and rights.
North Charleston Bethune-Leonard Section believes in excellence, self-reliance, education, commitment, volunteering and giving back, partnership and sharing –and leaving no one behind.