[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 206 (Tuesday, November 30, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1278]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




CELEBRATING THE EAST BAY AREA SECTION OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF NEGRO 
                                 WOMEN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 30, 2021

  Ms. LEE of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 
70th anniversary of the East Bay Area Section of the National Council 
of Negro Women. The National Council of Negro Women is a non-profit 
organization with the mission to ``lead, advocate for, and empower 
women of African descent, their families and communities.'' NCNW was 
founded in 1935 by the influential educator and activist Dr. Mary 
McLeod Bethune and the iconic Dr. Dorothy Height served as president of 
the organization for more than fifty years. For seventy years, the East 
Bay Section of NCNW has followed in the footsteps of the organization's 
founder and its longtime president by serving as a pillar of the Bay 
Area community.
  The strength of the East Bay Section lies in its exceptional members. 
Led by President Carlene Gray, the members of this Section are leaders 
in their industries and in their community. Some are students, others 
are educators, business owners, healthcare professionals, civil 
servants, and others have retired. What they all have in common is 
their commitment to improving their community and empowering its 
people. They believe they are their sister's keeper. They encourage 
African American women and their families to serve as ambassadors in 
the community and contribute to its success.
  The East Bay Section continues to strengthen the community through 
innovative social, civic, and economic programs. These programs have 
supported so many members of the community including women, children, 
seniors, and veterans. They have also provided donations to the Alameda 
County Food Bank, donated hygiene supplies to women in need, purchased 
school supplies and hosted public forums on education. They have led 
innovative programs to support survivors of sexual assault, domestic 
abuse, and sex trafficking. During the pandemic, they have donated to 
community shelters and ensured that the community stayed informed with 
up-to-date resources.
  For seventy years, the East Bay Section of the National Council of 
Negro Women has been dedicated to serving and uplifting the Bay Area. 
Its members serve as passionate community advocates and share a 
commitment to improving the lives of African American women, their 
families, and the community. In the face of great challenges, the women 
of the East Bay Section of the National Council of Negro Women continue 
to rise to the occasion and improve countless lives through their 
tireless work. Their leadership and vision is needed now more than 
ever. May the East Bay Section's impact continue to be felt across the 
community for many years to come. Congratulations on seventy years of 
impact and service.

                          ____________________