​Southern California Coalition (SCC-NCNW) History

SCC- NCNW was started when Meda Chamberlain was appointed Executive Director of the Southern California Area. She was followed by Hazel Isaiah Ransom and Otheta Glover who were appointed as conveners. The current President/Convener of Southern California is Dr. Helena Johnson. Lois Carson was on the national board for more than 10 years before term limits were added. She was initially a committee member and progressed to a National Vice President under Dorothy I. Height.
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SCC-NCNW has offered several federally funded projects as well as partnerships with organizations such as United Way, The American Red Cross, as well as the City and County of Los Angeles. The most infamous project presented by SCC-NCNW was a series of Black Family Reunion that started in 1986 and is still held periodically throughout the area. A major accomplishment was the purchase of our headquarters at 3720 W. 54th St, Los Angeles.
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Branches of SCC-NCNW are located in various areas throughout Southern California. There were almost twenty-one sections in Southern California at one time. Currently sections include Athens Westmont, Bethune, Compton, High Desert, Inland Empire, Los Angeles, Mary McLeod Bethune, Long Beach, Orange County, Riverside, San Diego, and View Park. In addition, there is the Los Angeles Life Member Guild and Moreno Valley Life Member Guild. We continue to provide programs to enrich families and communities. We continue to grow and hope to bring on at least two new sections this year.
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The SCC-NCNW facility owned by the National Council of Negro Women is home to several community programs and is utilized as a Space Sharing resource so that there is room for many community collaboratives. We are an arm of an organization who continues to usher in new eras of social activism and progressive growth. Today we are grounded in our national foundation of critical concerns known as “CORE 4”, STEAM, Financial Literacy and economic stability, Education, Health (mental and physical), as well as civic engagement and advocacy for sound public policy and social justice.

Dear SCC-NCNW Sisters,
About the Southern California Coalition – NCNW

The Southern California Coalition of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) is a vibrant network of dedicated leaders and changemakers
spanning from Bakerseld to San Diego. United by purpose and passion, our members have consistently demonstrated unwavering commitment to
community uplift, cultural celebration, and social justice.  

Over the past year, our coalition has proudly hosted and participated in hallmark events including MLK Day commemorations, Black History Month programs, HBCU Fairs, Juneteenth celebrations, the Bethune Height Recognition Program, and Black Family Reunions. These gatherings have not only strengthened our regional ties but also exceeded engagement goals across the network.  

We honor the resilience of our members, especially in moments of reflection and loss—such as the passing of our beloved sister Joan Powell. Through adversity, our unity and compassion have remained steadfast. 

Our Social Justice initiative continues to grow, and our partnership with Northern California sisters is expanding, paving the way for deeper collaboration and shared impact.  As we look ahead, we remain committed to prioritizing people, fostering operational excellence, and building a future rooted in equity, empowerment, and community pride.
 
We continue to grow as we concentrate on our "Core 4"

• Economic Empowerment
• Education
• Health Equity
• Social Justice

Within these pillars lies the opportunity to drive meaningful change. Whatever program or project speaks to your heart, let it be rooted in these principles. Together, we can address the pressing issues that demand our attention and action.

As we move forward, let us hold ourselves to the highest standards. With the introduction of our new Code of Conduct and updates to our By-Laws at both the national and local levels, we are laying the groundwork for a stronger, more unified organization. These structures are not just rules—they are a reflection of our commitment to excellence and accountability.

In Southern California, our strength lies in our solidarity. When one sister or section needs expertise or encouragement, the rest of us stand ready to lend our hands and hearts. None of us moves alone. Together, we are a force to be reckoned with, showing up not just as individuals but as a collective—powerful, purposeful, and unstoppable. Let our “sea of purple” be a visible testament to our unity, no matter where we reside.

We will make 2026 a year to remember—a year of growth, service, and impact. Together, we remain #NCNWStrong.

With determination and sisterhood,
Dr. Helena Johnson, President

#NCNWSTRONG
#SOCALNCNW
#PURPLEPOWER
#SCCNCNW

​"A woman is free if she lives by her own standards and creates her own destiny,
if she prizes her individuality and puts no boundaries on her hopes for tomorrow."
 
Mary McLeod Bethune

NCNW History

The National Council of Negro Women is a coalition comprised of 200 community-based sections in 32 state and 38 national organizational affiliates that work to enlighten and inspire more than 3,000,000 women and men.
 
Its mission is to lead, advocate for and empower women of African descent, their families, and communities.  NCNW was founded by Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, an influential educator and activist.

For more than fifty years, the iconic Dr. Dorothy Height was president of NCNW. Today, under the leadership of Dr. Johnnetta Betsch Cole, NCNW's programs are grounded on a foundation of critical concerns known as "CORE 4".
 
NCNW promotes education with a concentrated focus on science, technology, engineering, art and math; encourages entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and economic stability, educates women about good mental and physical health practices; promotes civic engagement and advocates for sound public policy consistent with traditional values.

Our Mission

NCNW’s mission is to lead, advocate for and empower women of African descent their families and communities.

NCNW Bylaws

NCNW Pledge

It is our pledge to make a lasting contribution to all that is finest and best in America, to cherish and enrich her heritage of freedom and progress by working for the integration of all her people regardless of race, creed or national origin, into her spiritual, social, cultural, civic and economic life, and thus aid her to achieve the glorious destiny of a true and unfettered democracy.   ​

​"We have a powerful potential in our YOUTH, and we must have the COURAGE to CHANGE old IDEAS and PRACTICES so that we may direct their POWER toward GOOD ENDS."
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-Mary McLeod Bethune

"Faith is the first factor in a life devoted to service. Without it, nothing is possible.
With it, nothing is impossible."
 
Mary McLeod Bethune

SCC-NCNW Executive​ Board

Dr. Helena Johnson
President

Stephanie Haynes
Vice President-Programs

Corliss Bennett
Second Vice President-Membership

Vacant   
​Young Adult

Dr. DeVera Heard
Recording Secretary

Rev. Melaine Mays
Treasurer

Marnisha Mintlow
Financial Secretary

Jaime Lindsey
Corresponding Secretary

Doris Gray
Chaplain

SoCal Coalition Committee's

Social Justice Committee               Health Equity                          BHRP                                  Education                                        Economy  Development       
Brenda Anderson                           Dr.DeVera Heard                    Juanita Wright                   Dr. Angela Gordon- Nichols                 Dr. Darlene Dexter
Jacquelyn McMahon                     Crystal Alexander                   Susan Adams                    Sagirah Layne 
Arnetta Mack                                 Linda Wright-Lee                                                              Walena Logan
LaTia Suttle                                     
Dolores Coleman


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"Invest in the human soul. Who knows, it might be a diamond in the rough."
​
Mary McLeod Bethune

Vote- November 4, 2025

John Lewis -Good Trouble