Excitement filled the air as Charlotte F. Miller and the members of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) gathered in Washington, D. C. for a three day National Convention held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel on October 7-9, 2016. They embraced the spirits of the founders with a theme that was appropriate for the time in which we live - “Fortified by the Past … Focused on the Future.” Thirty states were represented.
The convention officially opened on Friday night with a message from National Chair Ingrid Saunders Jones, who reported that NCNW is alive, well and solvent. She emphasized that the convention would focus on strengthening organizational governance and adoptions of new bylaws. The three-day event consisted of business sessions, leadership development, a President luncheon a Harambee Breakfast, and an awards banquet.
Inspirations was in great supply from speakers and presenters including – Pat Harris, former McDonalds Global Chief Diversity officer, who accepted the Lifetime Achievement Award. April Ryan, White House Correspondent for National Urban Radio accepted the Trailblazer Award. Ambassador Andrew Young shared inspiring words of wisdom. Kim Gandy, Cynthia M. A. Butler, Davida Mathis, Esq. and Dr. Barbara Williams Skinner added their special gifts to the convention. Entertainment was provided by Atlanta based violinist Ken Ford, gospel singers, the Warlaw Brothers and Spur of the Moment
Charlotte was among the 400 members selected for the White House Tour. They visited the ground floor and observed President Obama alighting into Marine One. Other sights visited included the National Museum of African American History and Culture, The Bethune House and the King Memorial.
Generous sponsorship contributions were received from McDonalds, The Coca Cola Company, Delta Air Lines, Georgia Power, Colgate Palmolive, Home Depot, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Apple, Georgia Pacific, Nationwide, Dennys and American Federation of Teachers.
The convention concluded on Sunday with the installation of new officers by the Honorable Alexis M. Herman, former Secretary of Labor in the Clinton Administration.
Charlotte Miller is a life member of NCNW and served as the official delegate for the Kosciusko/Attala County Section of the National Council of Negro Women.
