Who We Are
The National Congress of Black Women, Inc. (NCBW-KC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, civic organization dedicated to the educational, political, economic and cultural development of African American Women and their families.
NCBW-KC serves as a nonpartisan voice and instrument on issues pertaining to the appointment of African American Women at all levels of government, and to increase African American women’s participation in the educational, political, economic and social arenas.
Currently, NCBW-KC provides leadership opportunities for women, and decision-making positions in government, nonprofit organizations and the private sector. The organization was founded in 1984. Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm served as the First National Chair. Dr. C. DeLores Tucker succeeded her, and Ruth Gray is the current National Chair.
Our Core Values
To build a network of women of color in leadership, sustainable entrepreneurship, and civic engagement while increasing access to technology and building social enterprises that eliminate gender and racial bias.
To empower and engage Black women in utilizing their voices in the decision-making process; to develop local solutions to cultural, educational, economic, and political issues that affect Black communities.
The mission of the National Congress of Black Women, Incorporated is to improve the educational, economic, social and political status of Black women and their families; to serve as a nonpartisan voice and instrument for the election, appointment and participation of Black women in the educational, economic, social and political arenas.
The National Congress of Black Women, Inc. is dedicated an ongoing commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in all aspects of our governance, programs, and partnerships.
- Identify and conduct leadership opportunities for members who are aspiring leaders.
- Encourage Black women to engage in non-partisan leadership activities within the educational, economic, social and political arenas.
- Provide training and internships at the national, state and local levels to enable members and young people to gain the knowledge required to understand, operate, and participate within the educational, economic, social and political arenas.
- Increase the number of Black women who participate in leadership positions in all areas of the community that impact their lives and the lives of their families.
- Engage Black women in voter registration, political education, forums and seminars to better project their concerns in the public arena.
- Develop and advocate public policy positions, which advance the educational, economic, social and political interests of Black women, their families and communities.
- Participate in the development of policies, platforms and strategies of political parties that address the needs and aspirations of the Black community; encourage the parity appointment of Black women at all levels of the party structure.
- Engage in research and fact-finding on critical issues uniquely affecting the quality of life of Black women.
- Sponsor youth leadership institutes to prepare young people to practice good citizenship and to assume leadership roles in public service.
Our Voices
We Brought Truth to the Capitol.
In 2006, President George W. Bush signed into law, the authority for the Sojourner Truth bust sculpture to be donated by the National Congress of Black Women, Inc. on Capitol Hill.
The sculpture bust of Sojourner Truth was unveiled on April 28, 2009 in the Emancipation Hall in Washington, DC. The sculpture was done by Artist, Artis Lane of California and member of NCBW Los Angeles Chapter.
What We Stand For
- Rebuilding our families
- Human rights
- Enriching our communities through education and service
- Direct representative democracy
- K-12 public education as a social responsibility Affordable Care Act and Medicaid expansion
- STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
- Preserving culture
- Health equity
- Increasing accessibility for registered, eligible voters to exercise their right to vote
- Restoration of voter rights to eligible constituents in the Kansas City Metropolitan Area
- Women’s equity in health care, health access, pay, and reproductive rights
- Economic empowerment
- Social and economic justice
- Building a healthier and sustainable community
- Exposing our children to environments of success
- Immigration reform and finding a pathway to citizenship for our undocumented brothers and sisters
Board of Directors
Sylvya J. Stevenson, MPA
Founder & Board President
Lysa Garcia
Treasurer
Casondra Foster
Health & Wellness Chair
Brenda Ridgnal
Historian
Shannon Wooten
Volunteer Coordinator
Stephanie Carpenter
Membership Chair
Brittany Foley
Recording Secretary
Founding Members
- Sylvya Stevenson, MPA
- Shirley Stevenson
- Neichele Stevenson
- YaLonda Smith-Johnson
- Courtney Pauley
- Camry Ivory
- Mia Harvey, MSW
- Felicia Burns-Smith, RN, BSN
- Stephanie Bunting
- Tinka Barnes, MD