IV 
119TH CONGRESS 
1ST SESSION 
H. RES. 968 
Recognizing the 90th anniversary of the National Council of Negro Women 
and honoring its historic legacy and continued service to the Nation. 
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
DECEMBER 18, 2025 
Ms. WATERS submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the 
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform 
RESOLUTION 
Recognizing the 90th anniversary of the National Council 
of Negro Women and honoring its historic legacy and 
continued service to the Nation. 
Whereas the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) was 
founded in 1935 by educator, stateswoman, and civil 
rights leader Mary McLeod Bethune, who envisioned a 
unified organization of Black women to make a better 
world, and worked tirelessly to advance opportunities for 
African American women, families, and communities; 
Whereas, for 90 years, NCNW has served as a leading na-
tional organization dedicated to advocating for racial jus-
tice, gender equality, economic opportunity, civil rights, 
and social progress for Black women, their families, and 
their communities; 
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•HRES 968 IH 
Whereas under the transformative and unparalleled leader-
ship of Dr. Dorothy Irene Height, who served as presi-
dent for 42 years, NCNW strengthened its national infra-
structure, expanded its advocacy footprint, elevated the 
voices of African American women in the civil and human 
rights movements, and launched signature initiatives that 
reshaped the national conversation on race, gender, fam-
ily, and equity; 
Whereas Dr. Height’s visionary leadership led to the creation 
of hallmark NCNW programs, including the Black Fam-
ily Reunion, an annual celebration of Black culture, 
unity, and intergenerational strength that continues to 
uplift families, fortify communities, and reinforce tradi-
tions that advance collective progress; 
Whereas NCNW has remained a vital voice for social and 
economic justice through its longstanding commitment to 
economic empowerment programs, community health and 
wellness initiatives, STEM education, and leadership de-
velopment for girls, which reduce disparities, expand op-
portunity, and strengthen communities nationwide; 
Whereas NCNW today represents more than 2 million 
women, is comprised of a vibrant network of community 
and collegiate sections and 330 affiliate organizations 
across the United States, and continues to be an essential 
pillar of civic leadership, volunteerism, and social advo-
cacy; 
Whereas NCNW’s enduring influence is symbolized by its his-
toric headquarters on Pennsylvania Avenue in Wash-
ington, DC, the only Black-owned building on Pennsyl-
vania Avenue, a fixture in the civic and cultural land-
scape of the Nation’s capital and a gathering place for 
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•HRES 968 IH 
generations of leaders committed to advancing equality 
and justice; 
Whereas, under the current stewardship of Rev. Shavon 
Arline-Bradley, President and Chief Executive Officer, 
NCNW continues to build on the legacies of Bethune and 
Height, expanding national partnerships, strengthening 
community-driven programs, and preparing a new gen-
eration of leaders who carry forward the organization’s 
core mission ‘‘to lead, empower, and advocate’’; and 
Whereas, in its 90th year, NCNW remains a testament to the 
power of organized womanhood and the enduring legacy 
of Black women’s leadership in shaping a more just and 
equitable future for all: Now, therefore, be it 
Resolved, That the House of Representatives— 
(1) recognizes and celebrates the 90th anniver-
sary of the founding of the National Council of 
Negro Women; 
(2) honors the vision and legacy of Mary 
McLeod Bethune and Dr. Dorothy Irene Height, 
whose leadership and commitment to justice laid the 
foundation for the National Council of Negro Wom-
en’s national impact; 
(3) commends the ongoing leadership of Rev. 
Shavon Arline-Bradley and the women of the Na-
tional Council of Negro Women who continue to ad-
vance programs that strengthen families, expand 
economic and educational opportunity, promote 
health equity, and empower communities; 
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(4) acknowledges the national presence of the 
National 
Council 
of 
Negro 
Women 
and 
its 
multigenerational membership whose collective serv-
ice continues to uplift millions of Americans; 
(5) recognizes the Black Family Reunion and 
other signature National Council of Negro Women 
programs as vital cultural institutions that celebrate 
unity, affirm identity, and reinforce the strength of 
Black families and communities; 
(6) reaffirms the House of Representatives ap-
preciation for the National Council of Negro Women 
as a civic leader, community anchor, and enduring 
fixture on Pennsylvania Avenue, embodying the spir-
it of justice, service, and empowerment; and 
(7) encourages all Americans to join in cele-
brating the National Council of Negro Women’s 90 
years of leadership, advocacy, and transformative 
impact. 
Æ 
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