National Black Women's Political Leadership Caucus
The National Black Women's Political Leadership Caucus, established in 1971 by Democratic Michigan state representative Neilis James Saunders, is dedicated to empowering African American women in the political arena and promoting their equality. Headquartered in Washington, DC, the organization has expanded to include regional groups across thirty-three states, fostering a network that encourages civic engagement among African American women and youth. Its mission encompasses educating members about the political process and the functions of various levels of government, ensuring they are well-prepared to participate actively in democracy.
The caucus also emphasizes research, focusing on African American families, politics, and economics, which informs its initiatives and programming. Beyond its primary members, the organization welcomes an auxiliary membership that includes men, seniors, and youth, highlighting its commitment to community inclusiveness. The National Black Women's Political Leadership Caucus offers various services, including public speaking training, legislative workshops, and charitable programs, aimed at enhancing leadership skills and community involvement. Additionally, it publishes a semiannual newsletter and election-related materials to keep its members informed and engaged. Through these efforts, the caucus plays a vital role in fostering political leadership and activism within the African American community.
National Black Women's Political Leadership Caucus
Founded in 1971 by Democratic Michigan state representative Neilis James Saunders, the National Black Women’s Leadership Political Caucus is committed to helping African American women work toward equality and increase their knowledge of the role of women in the political process. The organization has its headquarters in Washington, DC, but it also has groups in three regions and thirty-three states throughout the United States. Aside from its primary members, the caucus has an auxiliary membership that includes men, senior citizens, and youth. The organization encourages African American women and youth to participate in the country’s economic and political systems. In addition, the caucus enables women to familiarize themselves with the functions of city, state, and federal government. The group is also involved in research, conducting studies in the areas of African American families, politics, and economics. A variety of other services are provided by the National Black Women’s Political Leadership Caucus, such as training in public speaking; federal, state, and local legislative workshops; children’s services; charitable programs; awards for humanitarianism; and placement services. The organization publishes a semiannual newsletter and has published election tabloids.
Bibliography
Covin, David, and Michael Mitchell. Black Women in Politics: Identity, Power, and Justice in the New Millennium. New Brunswick: Transaction, 2014. eBook Collection (EBSCOhost). Web. 12 May. 2015.
Rosser-Mims, Dionne. How and Why Black Women Are Elected to Political Office: A Narrative Analysis of Nine Cases in the State of Georgia. Lewiston: Mellen, 2012. eBook Collection (EBSCOhost). Web. 12 May. 2015.
Terborg-Penn, Rosalyn. “First Because We Are Women and Second Because We Are Colored Women.” Negro History Bulletin 63 1-4 (2000): 63–70, Academic Search Complete. Web. 12 May. 2015.
Wilkinson Meyer, Jimmy Elaine. “National Black Women’s Political Leadership Caucus.”Organizing Black America: An Encyclopedia of African American Associations. Ed. Nina Mjagkij. New York: Routledge, 2001. 368–369. eBook Collection (EBSCOhost). Web. 12 May. 2015.
Wilkinson Meyer, Jimmy Elaine. “National Black Women’s Political Leadership Caucus.” U.S. Women’s Interest Groups: Institutional Profiles. Westport: Greenwood, 1995. eBook Collection (EBSCOhost). Web. 12 May. 2015
“Women Encouraged to Push Political, Economic Gains.” Jet 30 Jan. 1975: 25. Digital file.