Edie Corbin, 5th President
October 1, 2003 - Sept. 30, 2008

 

Vision. Initiative. Integrity. Accountability. Leadership. Service. Global Knowledge. Teamwork.

GREETINGS:     

Almost ten years ago, on November 16, 1995, the Delaware Chapter of the Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. received its charter as an official Chapter of the National Coalition during a ceremony held at the Christina Cultural Arts Center in Wilmington, Delaware. Since that day many great women have passed through the portals of the Delaware Chapter and each has ultimately left a mark. We affirmatively join a circle of sisters of 63 Chapters and 7,000 members across this United States as advocates for women of color. Together with Delaware's Chartered members, we revel in the success of the works of the many women that drive "The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc." Collectively, we send a strong message -- we are not just a coalition of women, but we are a movement of women, molding and shaping the direction that we will take to eliminate barriers that limit our access to economic and social power. 

The most distinguishing quality about the Coalition is that it represents a forum of women of color from all geo-political and socioeconomic backgrounds sharing a common interest. Our early programs known as Letty's Sisters in Session, economic forums, voter registration, arts/culture exhibits, and food drives set the foundation for our current initiatives, i.e.: 100 Bridges, Health Education Forums on HIV/AIDS, Heart Disease, Cancer and Diabetes, Political Skills Building featuring national speakers, Economic Opportunity, Art Exhibits, Meet the Candidate's Forums, Legislative Day in Washington, Leadership Development, Dr. Teresa Drummond Scholarship, the Gentlemen's Cookoff, and others. We have solidified partnerships with organizations, businesses and government. Much has been accomplished; there is still more to do. We expect to do more to continue to make a difference.   

As a leadership forum for and about women of color, we are acutely aware that there are tough issues facing us locally and globally. The education of our own and the society-at-large as to the issues of gender and also race that affect the woman of color is a challenge. In Delaware we plan to strategize our work to vocalize women's views seldom taken into account by legislative leaders and the media. To equip us with the advocate's vocabulary, our public policy agenda will be released in 2005. This agenda will enable us to strengthen our voices to build a visible movement for change. NCBW will be positioned, focused and at the forefront speaking out on issues that impact gender, racial, and social equity for women of color.    

As President, I salute our members for accepting the charge of service to champion issues and address policies that will be vital to improving the lives of African-American women, children and the communities this State and abroad. I am reminded of the words of Maya Angelou -- "Mighty women have been with us and for us from the beginning of time. This is patently true or as a species we would have become extinct centuries before we learned how to use fire or store water." Today’s challenges unmask our many gifts, and we, too, through our exemplary works will inspire and leave a legacy for the next generation.