NCNW Celebrates 90 Years: Building a Legacy of Power

Faith Daniels, Letitia Perry, and Brenda Cochran

Most Companies, Organizations, Schools or Colleges can Develop a great deal during the span of ninety years. For NCNW – known as the “National Council for Negro Women” not only was this organization born in 1935, but during this span of time has been able to Build a Legacy of Power and the organization has accomplished this growth, through leading and empowering women of African Descent including their families along with the communities in which they live. 

There are nearly countless women who have paved the growth and continued success of NCNW, but the history of the organization will always originate in 1945 when Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune became the sole Black delegate and contributor to the Charter of the UN. Today the United Nations at eighty years old, has continued a legacy laid by… 

As one of the women honored, I knew Mrs. Bethune when I lived in Daytona Beach Florida. I am thrilled to say that I knew her well and always felt her to be so Amazing and a woman whom I would also cherish although I was just five years of age. She lived very close to our home as I was fortunate to see and speak with her often. 

As I entered the ballroom for the evening, I was proud to see not only members of the community, but many lovely pictures of Mrs. Bethune surrounding the room. 

Although NCNW continues to serve as one of the outstanding organizations represented by African American individuals. Not simply by African American women, but those who have paved the way for not only personal and community growth, but today developing and the building of a legacy of power which is representative of a very strong legacy infused with worldwide intelligence and personal and world-wide growth. 

The consistency of serving and showcasing women occurred on Saturday Evening, December 20, 2025 when the Dayton Section of NCNW held “A Night of Elegance Honoring Women in Media.” Purple Soiree Holiday Gala as well of other NCNW Sections. 

Held at Daniel Curran Place located at 1700 S. Patterson, the evening was one of providing an elegant evening for members of the Dayton community, but also “Honoring Women in Media.” 

The evening was one that was enjoyed by those honored, but many individuals who hold much appreciation for the organization, the Dayton community and the Women who are representatives of the National Council of Negro Women. 

The room was complete with shades of Purple, indication of the NCNW. There were also vendors in an adjoining room, and an atmosphere of beauty and excitement. 

The members of the committee included: Jo A. Lovelace Hill, Chair, Regina Anderson, Edna Dudley Baldwin, Ericka Joseph and Donna Kuytkendall. 

The introduction of Mistress of Ceremony Ms. Alexis Bellamy was made followed by a Welcome Video by NCNW National President & CEO, a Video entitled “Dayton Section Continues, The Legacy followed by the Invocation provided my Dr. L. Camille Still. 

Dinner followed with the Recognition of the Honorees and intertwined with Talent Tributes. The Talent Tributes were provided by Anaiyah Rogers, E’Draya Calwell, Maya Thompson, Sarah Kuykendall, Arica Croone, and KarahWhite. The audience was able to enjoy beautiful vocal talents and a Flutist. 

The Honorees were intertwined with the talent. Each Honoree was introduced with acceptance of their honor and words about their role as a Media Personality. 

The Honorees were: Faith Daniels of 92.1 WROU; Brenda Cochran from Dayton Weekly News; and Letitia Perry WHIOTV-7. Biographical Sketches were included in the Program Booklet. 

Photography was provided by: DJ Exclusive and Photography by Noland D. Lester. The Wonderful Event closed with Mrs. Jo A. Lovelace Hill, Chairperson and Ms. Mattie White, Dayton Section President.