The National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs, Inc. (NACWC) established in 1896, stands as the first national organization for African American women. We have played a pivotal role as the foundational bedrock for numerous other clubs, sororities, and organizations that followed our inception. Many founders of these subsequent organizations were originally members of NACWC, a testament to our influential and enduring legacy.

NACWC was established by a distinguished group of women, among them Josephine St. Pierre Ruffin, General Harriet Tubman, Margaret Murray Washington, Ida Bell Wells-Barnett, and Mary Church Terrell (who served as the organization's Inaugural President).

NACWC embraces the motto "Lifting As We Climb" as a unifying call, promoting self-help endeavors among women. During our initial years, the organization actively tackled a range of social issues affecting the Black community; including but not limited to lynching, suffrage, childcare, elderly care, education and job readiness, fair wages, segregation, housing, and women’s health.

Today, NACWC continues to be a trailblazer and advocate for women, youth, and families; championing programs that emphasize economic opportunities, health and vitality, education, and social justice.