Viewing page 2 of 3

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

Born in Crisis - - - 1935
Unemployment, hopelessness and fear were the fruits of a world-wide depression. There was great need for unified and direct action on the part of all organizations concerned with the economic, educational, social, cultural and political patterns of the country.

Under the inspired leadership of Mary McLeod Bethune a number of women's organizations joined together in the NCNW to project the combined strength of their member-ship in the meeting the bitter and unparallelled challenges of the day.

[[image - black and white photograph of men and women standing in front of large building]]
HEADQUARTERS N. C. N. W.

Matured in War

World War No. 2 brought a new challenge and new problems. The Council met these problems with intelligent precision born of courage and faith, strengthened by unity and collaboration. Through its own activities and through the direct participation and membership of inter-racial, interfaith and intercultural national bodies, the Council has won sympathetic respect and significant recognition for the needs, aspirations and achievements of Negro women.

CONTRIBUTING TO VICTORY

The National Council of Negro Women, through its affiliates, representing the greatest aggregate force of organized Negro women, has since its inception, made an effective contribution to victory through the following major programs:

[[end page]]
[[start page]]

1. Metropolitan Councils. To date there are fifteen growing and vigorous councils in local communities, more are being organized.

2. National Information Bureau and Clearing House. 
Pertinent material is collected and disseminated through the AFRAMERICAL WOMAN'S JOURNAL, a quarterly magazine: TELEFACT, a monthly bulletin; and through press, radio, pamphlets and other media. 

3. Wartime Employment Clinics. Popularly known as our "Hold Your Job" program. These clinics are designed to help the worker with personal problems and what they mean in terms of production, efficiency and job tenure. 

4. National Office and Headquarters Building. The recently purchased Council House in the Nation's Capital is dedicated to the united service of women without restrictions of color, religion or economic status.

5. Co-ordinating Committee for Building Better Race Relations. This committee of representatives of several national women's organizations meet to exchange information, techniques and methods in the field of race relations. 

6. National Roster of Qualified Women. To meet the need of government departments and other agencies the National Council of Negro Women has prepared suggested lists of qualified Negro women to serve on committees and commissions. 

7. Launching of the Liberty Ship the SS Harriet Tub-man. This famed cargo vessel bearing vital war material to all battlefronts of the world sails as a tribute to courage, faith, and determination of women. It was paid for by a $4,000,000 Bond Drive sponsored by the National Council of Negro Women.

8. World Security Month. This program was designed to stimulate public support of the Dumbarton Oaks proposals and the Bretton Woods Articles of Agreement as steps toward world peace.

9. Consumer Education Cost of Living Committee. In cooperation with the Office of Price Administration 15 Consumer Education Committees joined in the fight against the rising cost of living, concentrating on support of the rent control program. 

In general, our program is directed to those vital issues affecting our members in their roles as women, as Negroes and as citizens in relation to such problems as employment, public affairs, youth, family life, religion, citizenship, legislation, international affairs and consumer education.

[[end page]]
[[start page]]

LOOKING AHEAD

The coming year will be one of great moment. Negro women are concerned with the forces and ideas behind the events that are shaping our destinies. The NCNW must be in a position to help guide these influences. Today we are on the threshold of action more significant than any yet undertaken. Like an army which has just established a beachhead, our real tests lie ahead. Failure to meet them will mean loss of the early gains for which we have struggled and sacrificed. The NCNW must be prepared to meet the needs of the day, however great the demands may be. Its whole strength must be used to gain full citizenship, complete freedom of action, and active participation in every phase of American life.

[[image - black and white photograph of woman standing in well appointed formal room]]

RECEPTION ROOM N. C. N. W

"In the National Council of Negro Women, we have taken these significant steps toward building a free world. What we have been able to do with limited funds and limited staff can be greatly augmented if given the maximum help of every individual and every group. With your help, we can move into the next decade with dignity, strength and renewed courage - and in our greater united efforts become an integral factor in the building of a new world of FREEDOM, BROTHERHOOD, and MUTUAL RESPECT. "

              MARY McLEOD BETHUNE.

Transcription Notes:
Edited: removed tabs, added end and start pages per instructions, three pages on this view, removed '-' to truncate words on page. Per instructions not to truncate words even if they are truncated on page, corrected a few typos