As we step into the future, the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) continues to embody the essence of empowerment and progress. Ten years ago, during its 80th anniversary, NCNW embarked on a “new agenda for a new age,” aimed at building a stronger Black America. In 2025, with 90 years of transformative work behind them, this esteemed organization continues to make strides towards their vision. The NCNW has proven time and again that it stands as a beacon of hope and change, advocating for the African community’s education, health, and economic empowerment. This blog post is a look at the commencement of their forward-looking plan and the achievements since.
In 2015, Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds was presented the Uncommon Height Gala Crystal Stair Award for his outstanding achievements in the music industry and contributions as a philanthropist.
NCNW’s “Four for the Future”
During the 1 annual Uncommon Height Gala, NCNW National Chairperson Ingrid Saunders Jones shared the organization’s new forward-looking vision under her leadership. She called the series of strategic priorities “Four for the Future” with the following objectives:
- Educating and training young women and girls for future roles in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM).
- Continuing NCNW’s historical focus on health concerns in the African community.
- Promoting economic empowerment and entrepreneurship, focusing on aspects like financial literacy and short- and long-term financial planning.
- Developing new partnerships to encourage young African men and women to embrace the values of NCNW’s founders.
NCNW’s Vast Network
As one of the oldest organizations dedicated to advancing opportunities for African women and their families, NCNW is an “organization of organizations” with 240 community-based and collegiate sections, 37 affiliates, connecting 3 million women worldwide. Jones said it is through its vast network that the organization will be able to achieve its goals with greater impact while attracting more young people to take on NCNW leadership.
Babyface’s Contributions
Besides being a music industry legend, Babyface has contributed significantly to philanthropy. He has supported organizations like the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), Carousel of Hope, VH1 Save the Music, David Foster Foundation, and Mike Milliken Prostate Cancer Foundation. He has also served as a national spokesman for Boarder Babies, an organization passionately supported by Dr. Dorothy Height, and helped raise significant funds for a transitional home, The Little Blue House, in Washington, D.C.
#NCNW #Babyface #Philanthropy #MusicIndustry #AfricanAmericanAdvocacy
