About Us - OUR MISSION - The Black Women's History Conference, Inc.
The Black Women's History Conference grew from a joint effort of the New Jersey Department of Education and Rutgers University to promote women’s history while highlighting and honoring women from various communities. Since its establishment in 1983, the Black Women’s History Conference has sponsored numerous conferences, seminars, and cultural programs. Through these events, the organization brings scholars, historians, writers, political activists, and cultural figures to wide audiences. Speakers who have appeared at these conferences include Sonia Sanchez, Paula Giddings, Alvin Poussaint, John Henrik Clarke, and Susan Taylor.
As a resource to classroom teachers, the BWHC developed a curriculum guide for grades one to four that focused upon the lives of African Americans. As an outgrowth of that project, several members wrote scripts for theatrical productions. Other women researched historical figures and developed dramatic presentations
about such outstanding personalities as Harriet Tubman, Barbara Jordan, Fannie Lou Hamer, Ida B. Wells, Madame C. J . Walker, and Mary McLeod Bethune. In authentic dress, BWHC members performed these moving pieces for thousands of school children, as well as church, corporate, and community audiences. For several years the organization collaborated with the Department of African American Studies at Seton Hall University to publish a newsletter that spotlighted both historical and living Black women. The BWHC also pioneered the celebration of the holiday, Kwanzaa, through annual programs open to the public.
For the past six years, the BWHC has hosted a breakfast that brings women from around the state to address current issues related to education, health, parenting, and financial empowerment. In honor of its first co-chairperson, Dr. Shirley Cathie, the organization has established a scholarship that is named for her and awarded annually to a student who best exemplifies Dr. Cathie’s love for learning, family, and
empowerment of women.
As a resource to classroom teachers, the BWHC developed a curriculum guide for grades one to four that focused upon the lives of African Americans. As an outgrowth of that project, several members wrote scripts for theatrical productions. Other women researched historical figures and developed dramatic presentations
about such outstanding personalities as Harriet Tubman, Barbara Jordan, Fannie Lou Hamer, Ida B. Wells, Madame C. J . Walker, and Mary McLeod Bethune. In authentic dress, BWHC members performed these moving pieces for thousands of school children, as well as church, corporate, and community audiences. For several years the organization collaborated with the Department of African American Studies at Seton Hall University to publish a newsletter that spotlighted both historical and living Black women. The BWHC also pioneered the celebration of the holiday, Kwanzaa, through annual programs open to the public.
For the past six years, the BWHC has hosted a breakfast that brings women from around the state to address current issues related to education, health, parenting, and financial empowerment. In honor of its first co-chairperson, Dr. Shirley Cathie, the organization has established a scholarship that is named for her and awarded annually to a student who best exemplifies Dr. Cathie’s love for learning, family, and
empowerment of women.