The New York State sections of the National Council of Negro Women, Inc. (NCNW), comprising 17 dedicated sections across the state, triumphantly hosted the 50th anniversary gala of the Bethune/Height Recognition Program (BHRP) on Saturday, May 18, 2024.
With the theme "Advancing Our Mission, Strengthening Our Message, Refining Our Method," the event commemorated five decades of the BHRP's unwavering dedication to empowering African American women and girls. Held at Leonard's Palazzo in Great Neck, the afternoon celebration brought together distinguished guests, community members, and program beneficiaries from New York and beyond. The spirit of unity, reflection, and inspiration filled the room as attendees acknowledged the BHRP's significant impact over the past half-century.
Keynote Address by Rev. Dr. Gwendolyn Elizabeth Boyd
The esteemed Rev. Dr. Gwendolyn Elizabeth Boyd, a distinguished scientist, engineer, civic leader, and lifelong advocate for STEM education, served as the event's keynote speaker. Dr. Boyd's impressive background includes her tenure as the former national president of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. from 2000 to 2004 and her role as the former president of Alabama State University. Her inspiring address resonated with the audience, emphasizing the importance of continued progress for African American women and girls.
Leadership and Recognition
Johnnie M. Walker & Dawna M. Fields, National BHRP Co-Chairs, alongside Carol E. Moore, NYS BHRP Chair, and Gladys Keller & Evelyn Kinsey, NYS Luncheon Co-Chairs, led the organization of this historic event.
A Commitment to Continued Impact
The BHRP Gala serves as the pinnacle fundraising event for the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) by the New York State NCNW sections as a whole. Funds raised will directly support programs and services dedicated to empowering African American women and girls throughout the state.
The 17 participating sections are:
With the theme "Advancing Our Mission, Strengthening Our Message, Refining Our Method," the event commemorated five decades of the BHRP's unwavering dedication to empowering African American women and girls. Held at Leonard's Palazzo in Great Neck, the afternoon celebration brought together distinguished guests, community members, and program beneficiaries from New York and beyond. The spirit of unity, reflection, and inspiration filled the room as attendees acknowledged the BHRP's significant impact over the past half-century.
Keynote Address by Rev. Dr. Gwendolyn Elizabeth Boyd
The esteemed Rev. Dr. Gwendolyn Elizabeth Boyd, a distinguished scientist, engineer, civic leader, and lifelong advocate for STEM education, served as the event's keynote speaker. Dr. Boyd's impressive background includes her tenure as the former national president of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. from 2000 to 2004 and her role as the former president of Alabama State University. Her inspiring address resonated with the audience, emphasizing the importance of continued progress for African American women and girls.
Leadership and Recognition
Johnnie M. Walker & Dawna M. Fields, National BHRP Co-Chairs, alongside Carol E. Moore, NYS BHRP Chair, and Gladys Keller & Evelyn Kinsey, NYS Luncheon Co-Chairs, led the organization of this historic event.
A Commitment to Continued Impact
The BHRP Gala serves as the pinnacle fundraising event for the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) by the New York State NCNW sections as a whole. Funds raised will directly support programs and services dedicated to empowering African American women and girls throughout the state.
The 17 participating sections are:
- Brooklyn
- Co-op City
- East Bronx
- Flatbush
- Hudson Valley
- Huntington
- Long Island Cross County
- Manhattan
- Metropolitan Women's Network
- Midwood & Vicinity
- Nassau County
- North Bronx
- Staten Island
- Queens County
- Suffolk County
- Syracuse
- Westchester
Looking Forward
The 50th anniversary celebration marked a significant milestone for the BHRP. The event not only commemorated the program's past achievements but also fueled the organization's passion and commitment to shaping a brighter future for generations to come.
Full list of NCNW Affiliate organizations:
- Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated
- American Federation of Teachers Auxiliary to the National Medical Association, Inc.
- Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc.
- Chums, Inc.
- Continental Societies, Inc.
- Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
- Eta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated
- Gamma Phi Delta Sorority
- Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc.
- Jack and Jill of America, Inc.
- Ladies Auxiliary, Knights of Peter Claver
- Lambda Kappa Mu Sorority
- Las Amigas, Incorporated
- Les Gemmes, Inc.
- National Assoc. of Negro Business & Prof. Women's Clubs
- National Association of University Women
- National Bar Association, Women Lawyers Division
- National Black Nurses Association, Inc.
- National Coalition of 100 Black Women
- National Coalition on Black Civic Participation
- National Delicados, Inc.
- Order of Eastern Star,
- National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc.
- National Women of Achievement, Inc.
- Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
- Swing Phi Swing, Social Fellowship, Inc.
- Tau Gamma Delta Sorority, Incorporated
- The Charmettes, Inc.
- The House of the Lord Churches,
- National Department of Women's Work
- The Links, Incorporated and Links Foundation, Incorporated
- Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. (TLOD)
- Women's Home & Overseas Missionary Society
- AME Zion ChurchWomen's Missionary Council
- CME ChurchWomen's Missionary Society
- AME Church
- Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
About the Bethune/Height Recognition Program
The Bethune/Height Recognition Program (BHRP) was founded in 1974 and has grown into a great national movement. Its uniqueness comes from the annual opportunity it gives individuals to live the legacy of NCNW’s founder, Mrs. Mary McLeod Bethune by contributing to the work for which she dedicated her life. Proceeds from the Program help to undergird the vital work of the National Office by broadening and strengthening the financial base that is so crucial to NCNW's survival and its ability to affect much needed change. For more information, visit https://ncnw.org/bhrp or on Facebook.
Media Contact
Michelle Mitchell
The Bethune/Height Recognition Program (BHRP) was founded in 1974 and has grown into a great national movement. Its uniqueness comes from the annual opportunity it gives individuals to live the legacy of NCNW’s founder, Mrs. Mary McLeod Bethune by contributing to the work for which she dedicated her life. Proceeds from the Program help to undergird the vital work of the National Office by broadening and strengthening the financial base that is so crucial to NCNW's survival and its ability to affect much needed change. For more information, visit https://ncnw.org/bhrp or on Facebook.
Media Contact
Michelle Mitchell
+1 516-387-2227