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District Governors: E. Josephine Lowery Washington, D.C. Mid-Atlantic Jacquelin Washington Detroit, Michigan North Central Dorothea Lee Newark, New Jersey Northeast Robbie Heard Port Authur, Texas South Central Charlotte Lewis Riviera Beach, Fla. Southeast Audrey "mickey" Tyler San Diego, Ca. 92114 August 7-11, 1984 National Convention Ritz Carlton Buckhead Atlanta, Georgia August 5-7, 1984 Pre-convention Continuing Education courses, college credit optional August 12-19, 1984 Post-convention tour London-The Black Connection, Art and Soul History NANBPW was founded in the spring of 1935 when the late Mrs. Ollie Chinn Porter, then President of the New York Club, invited the Philadelphia and Atlantic City Business and Professional Women's Clubs to establish a national organization. When Mrs. Porter was elected the first national President in 1936, black people were politely called Negroes. Very few had businesses or professions. most were still struggling through the economic deprivations of the Depression. That these black women had the courage to found such an optimistic organization is astounding and is lasting testimony to their faith in themselves, their people, and their future. The 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 national "movement" to improve the lot of black Americans; when there was no "black capitalism" program nor any black studies curricula. Still, they were ready to lead. Today NANBPW members include thousands of busy, working women in 300 clubs in the United States, Bermuda, and Africa. These women recognize the importance of sharing accomplishments with others and working together- ∙To improve the quality of life in their communities; ∙To create an atmosphere in with black women are able to bring about meaningful changes in their public and private lives; ∙To offer positive role models to the young women in their communities; ∙To share their skills and knowledge with others; ∙To explore alternative ways for women to meet the multiple challenges of today's world. FOUNDING OF ORGANIZATION In the spring of 1935, while the late, Mrs. Ollie C. Porter was President of the New York Club, invitations were extended to the business and professional women's clubs of Philadelphia and Atlantic City to establish a National Organization. The organizational conference was held at Y.W.C.A. in New York City, July 12, 13, 1935. Mrs, Porter was elected president, Mrs. Pearl Flipping of Atlantic City, secretary-treasurer and Mrs. Effie Diton of New York City, national organizer. State organizers were also elected, Mrs. Emma Goodwin of Atlantic City for New Jersey and Mrs. Josephine Keene for Pennsylvania. The first national convention was held in Atlantic City in 1936. MEMBERSHIP There are members in more then 300 clubs in the 50 states, District of Columbia and Bermuda. There are honorary members in Africa, France, England and the Virgin Islands. The total membership is upward of five thousand. 387 [[image top-left]] Seated (L. to R.) Gillette, Lacey, Shelley, McLaughlin, Leader in Advertising, Past National President, National Council of Women, U.S.A. Standing (L. to R.)George, Sherman-Peter, Council General, Commonwealth of the Bahamas, Lewis. [[image middle-right]] President Gillette presents Vice President's "Yellow Rose" Award