On Aug. 25, at New Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, a new generation of NCNW leadership was sworn in over the St. Petersburg Metropolitan Section with Lynn Harrell Johnson at the helm. Photos courtesy of All Photos Considered
BY J.A. JONES | Staff Writer
ST. PETERSBURG — The National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) was founded in 1935 by influential educator and activist Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune and holds firm to its 90-year-old mission to lead, advocate for and empower women of African descent, along with their families and communities.
Led by civil rights icon Dr. Dorothy Height for over 50 years, today’s NCNW includes 330 campus and community-based sections, 33 national women’s organizations and connects over 2,000,000 women and men through its work and initiatives.
On Sunday, Aug. 25, a new generation of NCNW leadership was sworn in over the St. Petersburg Metropolitan Section (SPMS). Led by Councilwoman Deborah Figgs-Sanders with an invocation by outgoing chaplain Shirley Thornton, the installation included emotional farewells by outgoing president Ethel Peeples-Robinson, spoken word by Chiquita Clark and a presentation to Peeples-Robinson by Pinellas County Commissioner Dr. Rene Robinson-Flowers.
Sisters of Harmony offered inspirational songs, followed by the installation of executive officers and Black Pearls youth officers by Honorable Judge Patrice Moore. The passing of the presidential office from Peeples-Robinson to new president Lynn Harrell Johnson was followed by Harrell-Johson’s closing remarks and prayer by newly installed chaplain Georgia Thomas.
Now, led by its new president, Community Tech House founder Lynn Harrell Johson, NCNW moves forward into a new era, continuing to sponsor programs founded on its priorities: education, entrepreneurship, financial literacy and economic stability, health and healthcare access and civic engagement.
But with the appointment of Harrell Johnson, who is a considerably younger selection than in past years – as well as an active community advocate with a brilliant head for all things data and computer programming-oriented — NCNW steps forward boldly with renewed energy and commitment to increase the organization’s impact in the St. Petersburg of today and tomorrow.
Harrell Johnson recalled that her interest in NCNW was piqued after attending several NCNW MLK Leadership Awards Breakfasts. “The sense of unity and the diverse group of attendees, including members from local churches, corporations and the community, left a lasting impression on me,” she noted.
The new president said it was Tamara Felton-Howard who suggested she attend a meeting; when she did so in June 2019, she was immediately inspired by the dedication to community service evident in the discussions.
“Motivated by what I experienced, I decided to join and soon began my community service, starting as corresponding secretary and taking on the role of project lead for several events,” she shared. Harrell Johnson said that NCNW symbolizes the strength, resilience and empowerment of African-American women and their communities.
The installation of executive officers and Black Pearls youth officers (pictured) was handled by Honorable Judge Patrice Moore.
“It stands as a beacon of hope and a source of unwavering support, advocating for social justice, economic empowerment, health and wellness and education. NCNW represents a legacy of leadership and commitment to uplifting African-American women, their families and their communities,” Harrell Johnson affirmed.
And through her work at the Community Tech House, Harrell Johnson has proved that community has always been at the forefront of her mind. Now, she wants NCNW to come to the minds of St. Pete’s community members as a powerful advocate for the rights and advancement of African-American women and their communities.
“It symbolizes a collective force dedicated to promoting education, economic stability, health equity, and social justice. People should see NCNW as an organization that not only addresses critical issues affecting African-American women but also empowers them to be leaders and change-makers in their communities.”
Harrell Johnson added that NCNW should be recognized as a unifying organization that connects and inspires individuals and groups to work together to make a lasting impact for a better future in our communities.
“In 2024, people should understand NCNW’s purpose as being deeply rooted in addressing the evolving needs and challenges of African American women and their communities,” Harrell Johnson relayed.
‘People should see NCNW as an organization that not only addresses critical issues affecting African-American women but also empowers them to be leaders and change-makers in their communities,’ said SPMS President Lynn Harrell Johnson.’
NCNW’s future goal includes expanding the organization’s outreach and visibility, including targeted marketing campaigns to highlight its impact and relevance, utilizing social media, digital platforms and community events to engage with a broader audience.
She also plans for enhanced educational programs to develop and expand educational initiatives focusing on STEM, leadership and entrepreneurship for Black women and girls. Through a partnership with schools, universities and corporations, NCNW will increase its ability to provide scholarships, mentorship and training programs.
Alongside its key initiatives, Harrell Johnson said the organization will continue to foster intergenerational leadership, developing initiatives that encourage mentorship and collaboration between the different generations of women within NCNW.
Harrell Johnson wants to “ensure that the organization remains relevant and impactful by incorporating the perspectives and talents of younger members; by pursuing these goals, SPMS can continue to fulfill NCNW mission and ensure that its purpose is recognized and celebrated both today and in the future.”
For more information, visit NCNWstpete.org.
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