The Manhattan Story

We undertake our mission in several ways including strong programming with the intention to motivate, organize and challenge women and men alike to embrace the notion of equity and empowerment for all.

The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. Manhattan Chapter started in 1992. A group of young women from New York University Law School and a few others saw the need to start a chapter that would endeavor to address the needs of Black women. Topics of gender equity, economic empowerment and leadership development were of concern to this group of young professional women. In order to address these areas of concern, these women knew that they would have to become active in advocating for their community to break down these barriers that exist for Black women.

As a result, forty women formed the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. Manhattan Chapter and it was inaugurated by then National President Barbara DeBaptiste. The Manhattan Chapter became a part of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., Manhattan Chapter is a non-partisan, pro-choice organization that is committed to gender equity. We are feminists working together with the shared mission of empowerment of Black women and girls.

At that time, the Manhattan Chapter joined two other established chapters in New York – the founding chapter of the national organization – New York Coalition of 100 Black Women and the Long Island Chapter. Currently, the Manhattan Chapter is one of 62 chapters nationwide.

The Manhattan Chapter is diverse in age and talent. This chapter is made up of phenomenal, hard working professional women that have given their time to advocate for issues that effect Black women and girls. Our members are professionals representing numerous for profit and non-profit sectors such as finance, health, human resources, social services, entrepreneurs and youth services. All members are committed to the empowerment of Black women and girls in their community.

This organization is a growing, focused and vibrant force across the country. The Manhattan Chapter implements the agenda of the National Organization at the local level focusing its efforts on activities that support their three tenets:

• Leadership development
• Advocacy on issues affecting Black women and girls
• Economic development