History of NANBPWC, Inc.
The late Emma Odessa Young, a realtor from New York City and a member of the New York Club of Business and Professional Women conceived the idea of a national organization of business and professional women in 1934. Due to health issues, Mrs. Young never sought to head the organization. However, Mrs. Young’s mind was alert and her interest keen. She was able to witness the progress of the organization before her passing.
In July of 1935, Mrs. Ollie Chinn Porter, president of the New York Club, extended an invitation to local clubs, organized as Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, to join and form a national organization. The Founders were Emma Odessa Young, Ollie Chinn Porter and Effie Diton of New York City; Bertha Perry Rhodes, Josephine B. Keene and Adelaide Flemming of Philadelphia; and Goldeana Pearl Flippen of Atlantic City.
The National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc. (NANBPWC, Inc.) was founded in July 1935, with chartered clubs from New York City, Philadelphia and Atlantic City. The organization is structured in six US Districts and one International District.
The membership includes over 100 clubs and hundreds of members across the United States, Bermuda, the Caribbean and Africa.
The National organization is a 501c3 charitable organization with the national office located at 1806 New Hampshire Ave, NW, Washington, DC.
The National Pledge
As a member of The National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc., I pledge to become involved, to be constant, cooperative, enthusiastic, and concerned about the problems and social ills affecting the young people of my community. I will help to promote the interests of business and professional women and invest myself in the willing service of others.
National Symbols
The motto that NANBPWC Sisters live by is called The Collect.
The logo symbolizes The World in the Hands of Women
The official colors are Yellow and Red
The NANBPWC matriarch is Sojourner Truth
The flower is the Yellow Tea Rose
The headquarters is located in Washington D.C.
