PLBC welcomes National Council of Negro Women PA State Coalition

HARRISBURG, October 22, 2024 – The Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus hosted the Pennsylvania State Coalition of the National Council of Negro Women for the NCNW’s lobbying day at the state Capitol.
“Today, we warmly welcome the National Council of Negro Women, a beacon of empowerment and advocacy for our communities,” said state Rep. Napoleon Nelson, who chairs the PLBC. “Its tireless work inspires change and uplifts voices that need to be heard. Thank you, NCNW, for your unwavering commitment to justice and equality — together, we can continue to forge a brighter future.”
The NCNW advocated for the passage of state Rep. La’Tasha D. Mayes’s Crown Act as well as state Rep. Darisha Parker’s HBs 850 and 851.
The Crown Act (HB 1394) would prohibit discrimination based on hair type or texture. It passed the PA House in August 2023, but there has been no action on it in the state Senate.
House Bills 850 and 851 would create better accessibility to feminine hygiene products. The bills passed the state House in June and await further action in the state Senate.
The NCNW was founded in 1935 by Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, an influential educator and activist, to enlighten and inspire, and has connected more than 2 million women and men. Its mission is to lead, advocate for, and empower women of African descent, their families, and communities.
Established as an official caucus in 1973, the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus was formed to empower Black legislators and to serve as an information and advocacy vehicle to advance the interests of Black, Latino, and other Pennsylvanians of color. Many of the original members were afraid to meet in an open forum and had previously met in secret to establish a shared legislative agenda.