NCNW: Quick to Listen, Slow to Speak
National Council of Negro Women
Words by Sean Saldana
Originating in 1935 by Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) is dedicated to “progress by working for the integration of all [American] people, regardless of race, creed, color or national origin into her spiritual, social, cultural, and civic life.” The Austin Section of the NCNW was later founded in 1946, making a powerful impact in the Austin community.
Working with the Austin Section of NCNW for nearly 15 years, Dr. Rashaanne Lewis, an entrepreneur, an author, and above all, an educator, has served in the role of recording secretary where she had the opportunity to utilize perhaps her most important skills of all: listening, organizing, and strategizing. In October, Dr. Rashaanne will assume the 2-year term of Section President of the Greater Austin NCNW.
Never one to shy away from hard work, Dr. Rashaanne begins most days at 3am and ends them around 11pm. She’s a business owner and is currently preparing to publish her first children’s book. But dear to her heart, she has also long been a vocal advocate for Black women as a part of the Austin Section of the NCNW.
In the last fourteen years that Dr. Rashaanne has served with the NCNW, they have partnered with organizations like LifeWorks, SAFE Alliance, The Refuge, and The Salvation Army. They’ve worked with people transitioning out of homelessness, survivors of sex trafficking, and have put a large emphasis on grassroots advocacy. Dr. Rashaanne says over the next few years of her service that, in addition to raising funds for community projects, she and her team will focus on building relationships and involving younger generations in planning, organizing, and advocacy. She calls this process “transforming generations through strong collaborations.”
After tragedy occurred in Dr. Rashaanne’s life in 2006, the Austin NCNW embraced her and supported her through healing, and she’s been a part of the organization ever since. It’s what the organization is all about. And now as upcoming President, above all else, she wants to use her leadership position not to highlight herself but celebrate the efforts of the organization. Because, according to Dr. Rashaanne, “this is not about an ‘I’ and a ‘me’, but a ‘we’ and an ‘us.’ She is “of the mindset that change starts internally and at home. It starts in your own community of healing. It starts with loving your neighbor.” It is supporting and networking to help others achieve their goals.
The Austin NCNW creates a village of love and self-reliance that supports and strengthens the community, welcoming new members to join them in “extending the collective power and leadership of African American women by continuing the vision of our founder, Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune.”
Did You Know?
The Austin Section of the National Council of Negro Women originally started in 1946 by Mrs. Marion Jackson Downs, wife of Dr. Karl Downs, former interim president of Samuel Huston College.
Contact:
(512) 461-8510
ncnwaustin@gmail.com
ncnwaustin.org
@NCNWaustin
