By Katrina Wilson | Sponsored by The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. – PWCC
Save the date, Nov. 15, to join The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. -PWCC for their 11th annual Black-Tie Gala Fundraiser, their signature fundraiser for their scholarships and other programs.
Cynthia R. Brown, vice president of NCBW-PWCC, said this year’s theme is Radiance & Rhinestones: Celebrating Black Grandeur.
Because the Gala is their signature fundraiser, it allows them to raise funds for scholarships and other programs, it increases awareness of their mission and reinforces their relationship with their current donors and supporters. They utilize the night to network with potential new donors, too.
Evening of Elegance
“Radiance & Rhinestones: Celebrating Black Grandeur (the theme) evokes a feeling of elegance, brilliance and shimmering details, while highlighting excellence and dignity,” said Brown.
It will include a social hour, African art display, a jazz band, dinner and dancing.
She said the night is a celebration of culture, achievement and history. The colors red, purple and black throughout the Gala will symbolize energy, royalty, excellence and strength.
“It isn’t just about the aesthetics,” she said. “It’s an expression of pride and recognition of the [Black] contributions to the culture of this country. We are looking forward to celebrating with our guests, while being mindful and respectful of the effects of the government shutdown on our members and the community.”
Their scholarships are one of the ways they remain steadfast in the community.
The scholarships are open to high school female seniors of color who reside in Prince William County and surrounding areas, who have been accepted to a four-year undergraduate degree program, technical, trade or two-year associate degree.
They gave $30,000 in scholarships this year, and desire to give even more.
Brown said that every year, the applicants are virtuoso young ladies with high academic achievements, “extensive community service and are already engaged in advocacy for causes they are passionate about, such as improving health care and housing for the residents of their community, advocating for the best education and fair treatment of all students within their school. They aspire to be doctors, nurses, counselors, lawyers and in all areas of STEAM.”
In the Beginning
Brown said they started the fundraiser to raise funds for scholarships, as well as their other advocacy programs.
“From the time our chapter was chartered in Prince William County in 2012, we have had support from local foundations, the electorate, and local churches that allowed us to present faith-based health education programs,” she said.
One of their mentoring programs is with two elementary schools in Prince William County. One focuses on financial literacy – “The Leader in Me”; the other one focuses on improving academic success. They have a combination of middle school/high mentoring programs that focuses on scholastic competence and overall academic success.
In addition, they have programs that focus on economic empowerment of women, health education and public policy.
Katrina Wilson is a contributing writer for Prince William Living.
