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Southern California Coalition (SCC-NCNW) HistorySCC- 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.
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.
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. |
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Dear SCC-NCNW Sisters,
Southern California Sisters of NCNW,
As we step boldly into 2025, we are reminded of the power of advocacy, service, and unwavering purpose. This new year brings with it inevitable changes, fresh challenges, and opportunities to champion new ideals. Change, as we know, is constant—though we may not always agree on its shape or the path to achieving it. However, unity, as it always has been, is our cornerstone. Now, more than ever, we must lean into the strength of togetherness.
The National Council of Negro Women was born out of a profound understanding: that we are stronger united than divided. Our founder, in her wisdom, brought diverse organizations under one powerful umbrella, and in doing so, created a force to be reckoned with. Today, we continue to honor that legacy. We are a movement—steadfast and fearless—driven by the convictions we fight for. Unity is not simply about being together; it’s about working collectively toward shared goals that empower and uplift us all.
While our nation's leadership may change, our mission remains steadfast. Let us remember the boldness of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, whose courage and vision shaped history. Those who have gone before us, despite far greater challenges, pressed on with resilience and hope. Their legacy reminds us that progress demands effort, optimism, and above all, belief in ourselves and each other.
This year, let us commit ourselves fully to our “Core 4” programs:
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 2025 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
Southern California Sisters of NCNW,
As we step boldly into 2025, we are reminded of the power of advocacy, service, and unwavering purpose. This new year brings with it inevitable changes, fresh challenges, and opportunities to champion new ideals. Change, as we know, is constant—though we may not always agree on its shape or the path to achieving it. However, unity, as it always has been, is our cornerstone. Now, more than ever, we must lean into the strength of togetherness.
The National Council of Negro Women was born out of a profound understanding: that we are stronger united than divided. Our founder, in her wisdom, brought diverse organizations under one powerful umbrella, and in doing so, created a force to be reckoned with. Today, we continue to honor that legacy. We are a movement—steadfast and fearless—driven by the convictions we fight for. Unity is not simply about being together; it’s about working collectively toward shared goals that empower and uplift us all.
While our nation's leadership may change, our mission remains steadfast. Let us remember the boldness of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, whose courage and vision shaped history. Those who have gone before us, despite far greater challenges, pressed on with resilience and hope. Their legacy reminds us that progress demands effort, optimism, and above all, belief in ourselves and each other.
This year, let us commit ourselves fully to our “Core 4” programs:
- Economic Empowerment
- Education
- Health Equity
- Social Justice
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 2025 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
"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 HistoryThe 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. |
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NCNW PledgeIt 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."
-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 |
Zanobia Ibrahim-Watkins
Young Adults |
Dr. DeVera Heard
Recording Secretary |
Rev. Melaine Mays
Treasurer |
Marnisha Mintlow
Financial Secretary |
Jaime Lindsey
Corresponding Secretary |
Doris Gray
Chaplain |
"Invest in the human soul. Who knows, it might be a diamond in the rough."
Mary McLeod Bethune
John Lewis -Good Trouble
