NCNW New York State Bethune/Height Recognition Program

06/26/2026

🎥 Honoring a lifetime of service, leadership, and impact.

During the 52nd Annual New York State Bethune/Height Recognition Program, we were proud to recognize Cheryl A. Pemberton-Graves as the recipient of the prestigious Bethune-Height Award.

As Chief Volunteer Officer of Lighthouse Guild, Cheryl has dedicated more than three decades to nonprofit leadership, legislative advocacy, volunteerism, and strengthening communities. A 40-year member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, a Silver Life Member of the NAACP, and a champion for philanthropy and civic engagement, her work continues to inspire those committed to making a difference.

In this clip, Cheryl shares heartfelt reflections after receiving one of NCNW New York State's highest honors.

Congratulations once again, Cheryl A. Pemberton-Graves. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to service and for carrying forward the legacies of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune and Dr. Dorothy Irene Height.

💜 52 Years of Recognizing Excellence. 52 Years of Celebrating Service.

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Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated NCNW New York State NCNW Headquarters Dawna Michelle Fields Tina Thompson Arion Jamerson Diamond B.rJanice Brown Eleanor Mckay Pamela K. Davis Gladys Keller Johnnie M Walker Carol E Moore Lynda Bagley

06/24/2026

🎥 A powerful moment from the 52nd Annual Bethune/Height Recognition Program.

During her keynote address at the May 16, 2026 luncheon, Dawna Michelle Fields reminded attendees:

"Black women are the backbone of voting in this country."

She also highlighted the importance of NCNW's Purple Power Initiative, which focuses on voter mobilization, policy advocacy, civic engagement, and community action.

Today is Election Day in New York State.

🗳️ Polls are open from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

As we reflect on this message, we are reminded that civic participation remains one of the most powerful tools for strengthening our communities and shaping our future.

💜 Speak Truth to Power. Silence Is Not an Option.


Arion Jamerson Diamond B. Johnnie M Walker Dawna Michelle Fields Pamela K. Davis Janice Brown Tina Thompson Eleanor Mckay Gladys Keller Lynda Bagley David Glenn Jr. Valerie Hall Carol E Moore Karen Ellis Sheila Richburg Tricia Daley-Bowles Effie Phillips Nicole Meyers Simone A. Nicholas She-Rice Wilson Sandra Davenport Street Doriel Inez Larrier Tanya D. Crawford Sakinah Black Jazzmen Hickson Joan Capel Christina Singletary Rose E. Morgan Dominique Morris

05/28/2026

05/25/2026

A Look Back to 2025 NYS BHRP

🎤 "Speak Truth to Power: Silence Is Not an Option."

One of the most memorable moments of the 51st Annual New York State Bethune/Height Recognition Program was hearing from our keynote speaker, Rev. Shavon Arline-Bradley.

As President & CEO of the National Council of Negro Women, she made history as the first person to hold both roles simultaneously and challenged us to lead with courage, conviction, and purpose.

Her message reminded us that advocacy matters.
Our voices matter.
Our communities matter.

💜 Thank you, Rev. Shavon Arline-Bradley, for inspiring us to continue the work.

05/21/2026

💜✨ The Woman Who Never Stopped Opening Doors.

For more than seven decades, Dr. Dorothy Irene Height stood at the crossroads of history, helping shape the future of America through courage, diplomacy, service, and unwavering advocacy for women and civil rights.

These powerful images capture a lifetime devoted to leadership. Whether mentoring young women, building coalitions across communities, influencing public policy, collaborating with national leaders, or strengthening the National Council of Negro Women, Dr. Height led with grace, wisdom, and purpose.

Known as the “Godmother of the Civil Rights Movement,” she understood that meaningful change required both vision and action. She championed educational opportunities, economic empowerment, voter engagement, and equal rights while inspiring generations of women to step boldly into leadership.

As President of the National Council of Negro Women for forty years, Dr. Height transformed the organization into a powerful force for advocacy and community impact. Her legacy continues to guide NCNW members and all who believe in service, justice, and lifting as we climb.

Today, we celebrate not only her accomplishments, but the countless lives she touched and the pathways she created for future generations.

"Greatness is not measured by what a person accomplishes, but by the opposition they have overcome to reach their goals."
— Dr. Dorothy Irene Height

💜 A visionary.
💜 A trailblazer.
💜 A legacy that continues to inspire.

05/21/2026

🖤📚 A Legacy Written in Service. A Future Built on Her Vision.

Before there was, Before countless doors were opened for women, families, and communities across America. Before generations of leaders found their voice, there was Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune.

These remarkable images capture more than moments in history. They reveal a woman of extraordinary determination, intellect, faith, and purpose. Whether mentoring young people, advocating for civil rights, advising national leaders, or building institutions that would outlive her, Dr. Bethune dedicated her life to creating opportunities where none existed and hope where it was needed most.

As founder of the National Council of Negro Women, educator, strategist, humanitarian, and presidential advisor, her impact continues to shape our communities today. Every scholarship awarded, every young woman mentored, every act of service performed in the spirit of NCNW carries forward the legacy she so carefully built.

We honor Dr. Bethune not only for what she accomplished, but for what she inspired generations to believe was possible.

"Invest in the human soul. Who knows, it might be a diamond in the rough."
— Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune

💜 Her legacy lives on.
💜 Her vision continues.
💜 Her light still guides us.

05/21/2026

💜 A Legacy of Service. A Tradition of Excellence. A Future of Impact. 💜

For generations, the Bethune-Height Recognition Program (BHRP) has celebrated the extraordinary volunteers, leaders, and changemakers who embody the vision of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune and Dr. Dorothy Irene Height.

From the founding of NCNW in 1935, to the establishment of BHRP as a National NCNW Program in 2000, to the leadership and stewardship of National BHRP Co-Chairs Dawna Michelle Fields and Johnnie M. Walker, the program continues to honor those who uplift communities through service, advocacy, education, mentorship, and leadership.

This illustrated timeline reflects more than history. It tells the story of women who answered the call to serve, generations who carried the torch forward, and the countless Bethune Achievers whose impact continues to transform lives across New York State and the nation.

Because when women lead with purpose, communities thrive.

✨ Honoring the Past.
✨ Celebrating the Present.
✨ Inspiring the Future.

💬 What does the Bethune Tradition of Service mean to you? Share your thoughts below. 💜

05/18/2026

🎬 DID YOU KNOW? 💜🎬

PBS produced a powerful episode about the legacy and impact of the National Council of Negro Women titled:

✨ National Council of Negro Women: A Legacy of Change ✨

The episode is part of The Legacy Series: Living A Legacy, a local public television program presented by WHUT.

Intro by our current President and CEO Rev. Shavon Arline-Bradley From Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune to Dr. Dorothy I. Height and generations of trailblazing women after them, this documentary beautifully highlights the history, advocacy, leadership, and lasting influence of NCNW in our communities and across the nation.

🕰️ Please carve out an hour in your day to watch.
📲 Then share it with others so more people can learn about this incredible legacy of service, sisterhood, and change.

🔗 Watch Here:
https://bit.ly/4tDyg51

In the comments, please tag!
✨ educators
✨ students
✨ historians
✨ women’s organizations
✨ churches
✨ civic groups

💜

05/16/2026

WHEN THE DIAS ENTERS THE ROOM. 💜✨👑

They did not walk in. They high-stepped in — with every bit of grace, power, and panache that 52 years of legacy deserves.

Watch the room ERUPT as the Dias of the 52nd Annual Bethune/Height Recognition Program Luncheon & Awards makes their entrance into Leonard's Palazzo.

Presenting your extraordinary Dias:

✨ Johnnie M. Walker — National BHRP Co-Chair
✨ Dawna Michelle Fields — National BHRP Co-Chair & Keynote Speaker
✨ Lynda F. Bagley — New York State Convener
✨ Evelyn Harris Kinsey — New York State Convener
✨ Tina Thompson — NYS BHRP Chair
✨ Eleanor McKay — NYS BHRP Co-Chair
✨ Janice Brown — NYS BHRP Co-Chair
✨ Arion Jamerson — Co-Program Coordinator & Mistress of Ceremonies
✨ Diamond Butler — Program Coordinator

These women planned it. They built it. They poured everything into it.
And today they walked into that ballroom like the legends they are. 🙌🔥

📍 Leonard's Palazzo · 555 Northern Blvd · Great Neck, NY
📹 Sara T. Fields | Social Media Team

🔗 linktr.ee/ncnwnysbhrp

05/16/2026

When she became a Life Member of NCNW, Dr. Dorothy I. Height placed her hand in hers — and passed something forward that words can barely hold. 💜✨

Today our Simone-Monet Wahls sat down with the remarkable Arion Jamerson — Howard University graduate, NYS NCNW Interim President, Mistress of Ceremonies for the 52nd Annual Bethune/Height Recognition Program Luncheon & Awards — and asked her to share one memory from a lifetime inside the NCNW family.

Just one.

And Arion chose that moment. The moment she became a Life Member. The moment Dr. Height's hand met hers and something sacred passed between them.

Arion grew up in this organization — from child to leader, from member to Interim President of New York State, from the NCNW family table to the stage of the 52nd Annual BHRP as our Mistress of Ceremonies today.

Howard University graduate. Past President of the NCNW Manhattan Section. Second Advisor for NCNW's Kean University Collegiate Section.

A woman built by this movement — and now building it forward for the next generation. 🙏

We honor you today, Arion. And we thank Dr. Height for everything she placed in your hands. 💜

📍 Leonard's Palazzo · Great Neck, NY
📹 Simone-Monet Wahls | Social Media Team

🔗 linktr.ee/ncnwnysbhrp