Welcome to the website for the Alton Section of the National Council of Negro Women. We are a coalition of organizations formed in 1935 by Mary McLeod Bethune- www.ncnw.org The Alton Section was formed more than forty years ago with the leadership of Hazel M. Killion. Mrs Killion along with other women in the black community focused on improving the quality of life for women of African descent and their families. They wanted to give a voice to the underrepresented women that would be heard and respected. Forty years later, there is still the need for a unified voice to address the needs of black families. I invite you to visit our website often to learn what you can do to build stronger families and lend a voice to those “invisible” members of the community.
The National Council of Negro Women founder and 1st National President, Mary McLeod Bethune, served as Special Advisor and Director of Minority Affairs of the National Youth Administration under President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Mrs. Bethune said that she could not rest seeing the unharnessed power among our women, so she called upon 28 national women leaders who responded to her call. She pointed out that what was needed was not another organization, but one that would bring organizations together. At the 137th Street Branch, YWCA, New York City, December 5, 1935. Mrs. Bethune with the help of these women organized the NCNW as an “organization of organizations” to represent national and international concerns of Black women.
NCNW is a not-for-profit organization with the mission to advance the opportunities and the quality of life for African-American women, their families and communities. NCNW fulfills this mission through research, advocacy, national and community-based services and programs in the United States and Africa.
Learn more about our National History by clicking HERE.
Our Mission
NCNW’s mission is to harness the power of women of African descent and other minority women to ensure access to and full participation in the socioeconomic political systems which impact upon the quality of life for all persons.
Our Vision
Our vision is a safe nurturing community where all families enthusiastically strive, creating a network of maximum opportunity and growth.
Our Core Values
Our Mission and Vision are driven by our focus on: Commitment, Respect, Service to Others, and Team Work.
Our History
The Alton Section National Council of Negro Women, Inc. is affiliated with the National Council of Negro Women, Inc. located at 633 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D.C.
The Alton Section has its origins under the leadership of Mrs. Hazel M. Killion who had been contacted by the President of the Cosmopolitan Section in Chicago, IL. Mrs. Killion called together a group of women at Allen Chapel in October 1981.
The Alton Section received its charter December 1981. Josephine Marley Beckwith was inducted as the first section President. The section’s goal has been to make a lasting contribution to society by working for the integration of all people regardless of race, creed, ethnicity, color or national origin into American society thus aiding it to achieve a true and unfettered democracy.
Alton Section NCNW History
On Sunday, October 4, 1981, Mrs. Hazel M. Killion called together five women for the purpose of organizing a local section of NCNW. This in response to an appeal from Mrs. Rosie M. Bean, President of the Chicago Cosmopolitan Section NCNW, who with Mrs. Frances L. Walker of the Rockford Section were conducting a membership campaign throughout the state of Illinois.
Other women present at this first meeting, held at Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church, were Mrs. Josephine Beckwith, Mrs. Mary L. Johnson, Mrs. Barbara Koontz, and Mrs. Joyce Robinson.
Under the efforts of Mrs. Joyce Robinson, a successful membership drive was launched. On December 11, 1981, the Alton Section National Council of Negro Women, received its charter with 52 charter members.
Hazel Marie Killion
