The National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) hosted its Community Day on September 20th. The free and open-to-the-public event took place in Archie Spigner Park, located at 169th Merrick Boulevard.
Founded in 1935 by Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, NCNW is a non-profit organization that promotes the growth of black women. The company wanted to celebrate the community and give everyone one last chance to bring in summer festivities. The festival featured free breakfast items donated by Ridgewood Savings Bank, as well as games like a large Connect Four. Various sections of the NCNW also provided information and free materials.
One section, the NCNW Youth Group, was giving away banned books for free, including The Autobiography of Malcolm X. This group is designed to help young girls in middle school and high school reach academic success and achieve equality in the educational system. Nicole Hicks, a representative of the Youth Group, provided insight into why the event is essential. “This organization has been for social justice and leadership in the community. We want to represent the women of African descent. A lot of our young girls are having trouble in school, and we just want to even out the playing field.”
The NCNW QCS Education Committee provided free school supplies – including notebooks, pencils, and glue sticks. Ronda Cardigan, a representative of the QCS Education Committee, explained her purpose for attending the festival. “Queens County chapter of NCNW does a lot for our community,” Cardigan stated. “And it’s important we share information with our community partners and give people a more affordable option. That’s why we are giving out these supplies free of charge.”
For more information on future events, visit www.ncnwqueenscounty.org