By Lynn Harrell-Johnson | President, National Council of Negro Women Inc, St. Petersburg Metropolitan Section
On Monday, January 20, 2025, we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Dr. King was a beacon of hope, courage, and love. He taught us that we have the power to create change through unity, compassion, and unwavering commitment to justice. His dream of equality inspired a movement that still shapes our world today.
As we reflect on his incredible impact, it’s also important to remember the work of another remarkable leader, Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune. She believed in the power of education and community to uplift people, especially African American women and families. Through her vision, she founded the National Council of Negro Women Inc.— a movement that continues to advance the opportunities and the quality of life for African American women, their families, and communities.
Dr. King and Dr. Bethune shared a common mission: creating a better world for everyone. While Dr. King fought for civil rights, Dr. Bethune worked to build strong foundations for change through education and leadership. National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) has carried their shared dream forward, advocating for justice, equity, and opportunity for all.
Dr. King once asked, “What are you doing for others?” Dr. Bethune answered that question with her life’s work—and the National Council of Negro Women which is an “organization of organizations” (comprised of 300 campus and community-based sections and 32 national women’s organizations) that enlightens, inspires and connects more than 2,000,000 women and growing to serve others in our community.
- Thanksgiving Meal Giveaway – Collaboration with other organizations to serve our community – Thanksgiving meal give away to 1000 residents with the partnerships of The Saturday Shoppes, NAACP and organizations who provided the meal items to make the event successful.
- Education
- Annual Sankofa Symposium: Equity in Education – SPMS partnered with Sponsor Legacy 56 in support of this community Project. Our Black Pearls Youth Group were participants on the youth discussion panel.
- Florida State Coalition Inaugural Book Drive Project presented books by African American Authors and Illustrators for middle and high school students to The Association for the Study of African American Life & History (ASALH) to be utilized as a study tool in their “Freedom School” Program.
- Good Health WINS
- Women & Girls Health Resource Fair presented by SPMS in partnership with Good Health WINS and the Pinellas County Department of Health. Services provided included PPE supplies; health screenings; vaccinations; health education. The event location was SPMS home base, Fannye Ayer Ponder Council House.
- “STAY SAFE, STAY UP TO DATE” – SPMS and Good Health WINS partnered with Empath Health and Vaccination Collaborative to offer vaccinations to the community. Vaccines included: Flu. Pneumonia, Covid and Shingles. Event location the SPMS home base, Fannye Ayer Ponder Council House.
- “Finding Our Voices” Your Leadership Language Reception at Eckerd College, Dr. Roslyn Clark Arts, President of Benedict College attended, with SPMS Ethel Peeples-Robinson bringing greetings.
- Support the “Restore The Joy” Women’s Conference with other organizations presented by Second Chance Empowerment Foundation in presenting this community event featuring inspiring keynote speakers; interactive workshops and panel discussions focusing on mental health and empowerment of women.
- Social Justice
- Voter Collaborative and Registration Drive – SPMS partnered with Supervisor of Elections Office with staff sent to distribute, assist and collect voter registration forms. Good Health WINS was also included with distribution of PPE supplies and informational materials.
- Stop Human Trafficking Campaign – SPMS partnered with SPAC (DST Sorority) and Bethel Metropolitan Baptist Church to present this extremely informative and much needed community forum. Panelists included St. Petersburg Law Enforcement Human Trafficking Task Force representative. Moderator: Judge Patrice Moore (SPMS member). Chairs: Audrey Pat McGhee (SPMS) and Laverne Johnson (DST). Over 90 in attendance.
Their efforts remind us that when we come together with the “The Power and Possibilities of Vision,” we can achieve amazing things.
So, as we honor Dr. King’s legacy, let’s also recognize the enduring contributions of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune and the NCNW legacy she has left behind. Together, their work lights the path for us to continue following—one of service, hope, and unity.
Lynn Harrell-Johnson, President
National Council of Negro Women Inc, St. Petersburg Metropolitan Section
email: president.ncnwspms@gmail.com
