NCNW, or the National Council of Negro Women, is a group made up of 330 sections on college campuses and within communities, as well as 33 national women's organizations. With a mission to empower and advocate for women of African descent, their families, and communities, NCNW aims to enlighten and inspire over 2 million individuals. Founded in 1935 by Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, the NCNW strives to make a positive impact in the lives of women and men. In a time in American history when the voices of Black women feel very necessary, we are thrilled to honor the NCNW in general, and Dr. McCleod Bethune specifically.
Mary McCleod Bethune was a builder of both institutions and coalitions. A cofounder of the United Negro College Fund, an advisor to several U.S. Presidents, the brain behind the work for which the 6888 is now famous, and the founder of the institution now know as Bethune Cookman University, she was a woman who had a plan for every challenge she encountered. Sometimes that meant gathering people. Sometimes it meant persuading people. Sometimes it meant convincing people to write checks. And sometimes it meant breaking out her baking dishes.
We've chosen the flavor profile of this cookie as a nod to the sweet potato pies and tea cake cookies Bethune baked to help raise money for the establishment of Bethune Cookman. The mash up works so well, it's hard to believe we'd not thought of it before. The look is simple. But the cookie has everything you need to be lifted to joy.
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