Hello
The Richmond Section of the National Council of Negro Women is a strong group of women dedicated to improving communities within the Greater Richmond area and surrounding counties. Comprised of women of various backgrounds, ages, and walks of life, the Richmond Section is an excellent example of sisterhood and service!
Richmond Section History
Richmond, like every community was suffering from educational inequality, social injustices, racial disturbances, political upheaval, substance abuse, high infant mortality, mental
retardation, job discrimination, high crime rate, high unemployment, and the disappearance of
a good family structure.
In the year of 1956, the founder of the Richmond Section of the National Council of Negro
Women realized that with a women’s movement, unlimited potential, goals, dreams, activities,
and serious determination when united could become a powerful force to do something about
our dilemma. This women’s movement in the city of Richmond saw the need to embrace the
two great pillars of the National Body of the National Council of Negro Women. (1) The struggle for civil rights, and (2) Constitutional guarantee of the rights of all citizens.
Mrs. Bernice Sampson, Mrs. Laura Jackson Hall, Mrs. Rosa Meade, Mrs. Luvinia Banks, Mrs.
Marian Bell Saunders Richmond, Mrs. Susie Williams, and Mrs. Doris Ford read and interpreted
the preamble of the National Council of Negro Women and also the Last Will and Testament of
Mrs. Bethune and felt strongly that this could be the vehicle to convey the message of hope.
They also believed that the 18 objectives of the council could become the launching pad for the
movement and the thrust for equality. Furthermore, they also realized that all women would
be encouraged to join this organization based on the original motto that we “leave no one
behind.”
In the fall of 1956, Mrs. Ora Stokes was visited by Mrs. Bernice Sampson in her home on North
Fourth Street and from this meeting the Richmond Section of the National Council of Negro
Women was organized in Richmond, Virginia. The charter was granted on November 6, 1956.