Title
Welcoming the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Incorporated to the City of Saint Paul.
Body
WHEREAS, in the winter of 1970, visionary leader Edna Beach and 23 other Black women in New York City came together with courage, determination, and a shared sense of purpose to confront the social, economic, and political challenges facing Black families and communities in the aftermath of the turbulent 1960s; and
WHEREAS, through their leadership, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to racial and gender equity, the Coalition of 100 Black Women evolved into the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Incorporated, officially launched on October 24, 1981, with representatives from 14 states and the District of Columbia and Jewell Jackson McCabe serving as its first National President; and
WHEREAS, the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Incorporated advocates on behalf of women of color through national and local action and strategic alliances that promote leadership development, gender equity, and opportunities for advancement in health, education, economic empowerment, and public policy; and
WHEREAS, for more than four decades, the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Incorporated has grown into a powerful national movement consisting of 65 chapters across 24 states and the District of Columbia, mobilizing thousands of professional Black women whose collective leadership, service, and advocacy uplift communities and inspire meaningful change across the nation; and
WHEREAS, the organization advances advocacy initiatives that strengthen civic engagement, expand voter education and voting rights, encourage women candidates to seek public office, and amplify the voices of communities too often unheard in public policy conversations; and
WHEREAS, the organization’s health advocacy promotes improved health outcomes, affordable healthcare access, culturally competent research, prevention efforts, and initiatives addressing cancer and health disparities, metabolic disease, public safety, childhood and family obesity, and overall quality of life; and
WHEREAS, the organization’s economic empowerment initiatives, including the Sister-Nomic$™ program, foster financial literacy, entrepreneurship, family wealth building, and economic self-sufficiency, equipping women and families with the tools and confidence needed to build stability, opportunity, and generational prosperity; and
WHEREAS, the organization’s education advocacy supports youth achievement and leadership development through initiatives focused on eliminating disparities, improving educational outcomes and graduation rates, expanding access and affordability, supporting S.T.E.A.M. education, and preparing students for vocational and collegiate success; and
WHEREAS, the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Incorporated serves as a powerful leadership forum and source of inspiration for Black women and girls, empowering future generations to become changemakers, lead with purpose and compassion, and help build a world in which Black women and girls are seen, valued, respected, and afforded every opportunity to thrive; and
WHEREAS, the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Incorporated will convene its 2026 Leadership Conference in Minnesota, bringing together members, leaders, partners, and advocated to advance its mission of advocacy, mentorship, service, and leadership development; and
WHEREAS, the organization's presence in Minnesota reflects a meaningful opportunity to expand leadership, mentorship, advocacy, civic participation, and community empowerment throughout the State of Minnesota and the Saint Paul and Twin Cities community; and now therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Saint Paul proudly recognizes and commends the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Incorporated for its enduring commitment to advocacy, leadership development, civic engagement, health equity, educational advancement, and economic empowerment for Black women, girls, families, and communities; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City of Saint Paul acknowledges and celebrates the organization's 2026 Leadership Conference in Minnesota and the efforts underway to establish a Minnesota chapter of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Incorporated, further expanding opportunities for leadership, mentorship, advocacy, civic participation, and community empowerment; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City of Saint Paul warmly welcomes the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Incorporated to Minnesota and expresses its strong support for the organization’s continued legacy of leadership, advocacy, mentorship, and service as a meaningful and valued addition to Saint Paul, the Twin Cities and generations of Black women and girls who will benefit from its presence.