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"YOU CAN'T KNOW WHERE YOU'RE GOING, UNTIL YOU KNOW WHERE YOU'VE BEEN"

The National Association of Negro Business and professional Women's Clubs, a pioneer black women's organization, was founded in 1935. Early the next year, Mrs. Ollie Chinn Porter was elected First National President. At that time, black people were politely called Negroes. And, though over 300 years had passed since blacks had first arrived on these shores, very few had businesses or professions. Most were still deep in the throes of the Depression. That these black women had the courage and the qualifications to found such an optimistic organization is astounding to those who forget that black leadership has existed from the earliest days in America. Moreover, these pioneer women established a lasting testimony to their faith in themselves, their people and the future. BPW founders were owners, managers, college graduates and other professionally licensed women who had managed to realize some measure of personal success, at a time when there was no "movement;" when there was no "black capitalism" nor any black studies curricula. Still, they were ready to share their skills with the community. They were determined to exchange information; to protect their interests; to encourage and develop opportunities for Negro women. Since that time, BPW has grown in numbers and in scope, conducting many needed community service programs which go far beyond the original purpose. Women have come a long way and so has BPW!

SOME OF THE MOST ACCOMPLISHED BLACK WOMEN IN THE WORLD

TOday, there are BPW Clubs in the 50 states, Washington, D. C. and Bermuda. Honorary clubs are in Africa, France, England and the Virgin Islands. BPW women are busy, working women who recognize the importance of sharing their accomplishments, abilities and talents with others. They believe in doing more for the community than the community does for them. BPW members recognize that the very same strengths that have brought them personal achievement can also be powerful forces for change and progress of society.

BPW ... CHANGING, GROWING AS THE TIMES DEMAND

In 1975, under the OMBUDSWOMEN theme, the BPW determined to use its collective influence to act as "middlewomen" in black communities across the country. BPW members are speaking out for those who cannot speak for themselves: the deprived, uneducated, oppressed, uninformed and the handicapped. They are alert to community problems and acting as mediators, watchdogs, trouble shooters, interpreters, listeners and communicators. BPW members have the power to help make the needed changes in America's black communities. Just as the founders knew, today's BPW knows that theirs is a power too good to waste!

BPW WOMEN ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Everywhere, women are on the move; challenging traditional roles of women; opening corporate doors; accepting and fulfilling responsibilities. Yet, the problem of black women are far from over. BPW is committed to change for all women, but realizes that the answers for black women must be different. National President, Robin B. Owens explains, "We are not at all convined that the current women's movement truly represents the plight of black women. We are, after all, not the bored suburban housewife, looking for some form of escapism. We are the working mothers; we are the single parent families who are heads of households. We are still at the bottom of the earning ladder. Our agenda, therefore, is somewhat different. We are specifically concerned with the desire of black women to better their lives at every level."

BPW AGENDA FOR CHANGE

* Women's Commissions

* Revenue Sharing and the Special Needs of Low Income WOmen

* Volunteerism

* Credit Problems and Solutions

* Discrimination in Education

* The Older Woman

* Sex Role Stereotyping in Textbooks

* Day Care: Who's Minding our Children

* Identifying Myths about us

* Women in Government

* Divorce and Child Custody

* Employment for Women

* Sex Discrimination in Athletics

* Health Priorities

* Media

* Women in the Arts

* How to file Sex Discrimination Suits: Affirmative Action

These are just a few of the workshops, programs and activities BPW is doing something about. In practice, each BPW Club identifies those services needed in their communities, while maintaining liaison with National and participating in nationwide actions for change.

[[image - black and white photograph of a woman wearing floor-length lace dress]]
[[caption]] ROBIN B. OWENS
National President, Flint, Michigan [[/caption]]