National Council of Negro Women, Staten Island Section

12/14/2025

🎄🏠 Building More Than Gingerbread Houses! 🏠🎄

The National Council of Negro Women – Staten Island Section’s Young Diamonds Youth Leadership Program is all about building strong homes and healthy bonds—and our holiday celebration was the perfect example of that!

This session blended creativity and courage, as our youth designed gingerbread houses while learning real-life tools for communication, conflict resolution, teamwork, and healthy relationships. There was laughter, holiday cheer, friendly competition, and meaningful moments that reminded us what this season is truly about—connection, growth, and community.

✨ Calling all junior high and high school students! ✨
If you’re looking for a space to grow, lead, build confidence, earn community service hours, and have fun while doing it, Young Diamonds is for YOU!

📍 Where: Snug Harbor, Building A (Staten Island Museum)
📍 Address: 1000 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island, NY
🗓 When: Every second Saturday of the month
🕐 Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

💎 Come shine with us
🌱 Come grow with us
🏠 Come build with us

📩 Contact Us to Join or Learn More:
Youth Council Chair: Tylah Davies
📧 Email: [email protected]

📞 Beth Coleman, President
National Council of Negro Women – Staten Island Section
📱 718-300-1370

This is more than a program—it’s a family.
We can’t wait to welcome our next group of Young Diamonds!

12/13/2025

🎄✨ Holiday Joy at the St. George Theatre! ✨🎄

A huge thank you to the St. George Theatre, Doreen Cugno (CEO & Co-Founder), Luanne Sorrentino (Co-Founder), and Michelle Swiney McCombs (Executive Administrator to the CEO & Contract Coordinator) for the generous 50-ticket donation to their 22nd Annual Christmas Show, continuing their mother Mrs. Rosemary’s dream of bringing holiday magic to families across Staten Island.

Because of this gift, 13 families from PS 84 were able to enjoy a magical holiday experience together. Special thanks to Principal Kamor Olayokun for helping make this opportunity possible.

From the North Pole to Times Square, with stops at Clove Lake Park, The Rainbow Room, and beyond, this high-energy show featuring Staten Island’s finest talent brought festive music, laughter, and holiday cheer to families across our community.

We’re grateful for partners who help create joyful memories and carry forward a legacy of love, tradition, and community. 💫

— National Council of Negro Women, Staten Island Section

12/06/2025

✨ Celebrating 90 Years of Service — National Council of Negro Women ✨

Today, the National Council of Negro Women – Staten Island Section proudly honors 90 years of service, leadership, and sisterhood.

Founded in 1935 by Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, the National Council of Negro Women stands on the pillars of social justice and service, uniting women of African descent to advance equality, opportunity, and community well-being.

Our Staten Island Section continues this legacy by building programs grounded in:
• Education and mentorship
• Entrepreneurship and economic stability
• Financial literacy
• Health promotion and health equity
• Civic engagement and public policy
• Advocacy and social justice as a living commitment

We are rooted in community. We are strengthened by unity. We are empowered through information, leadership, and service. This is the foundation on which the Staten Island Section stands.

⸻

🌟 Honoring Our Unsung Heroes

As part of our celebration at Snug Harbor Cultural Center, we recognized two extraordinary women whose quiet, consistent dedication reflects the very heart of NCNW.

🌟 Danielle Wilson
Driven by service and fueled by purpose, Danielle is committed to uplifting youth across Staten Island. As Advisor for the NAACP Youth Council, she nurtures leadership, confidence, and responsibility in young people, preparing them to step boldly into their roles as future community leaders.

🌟 Dr. Grace Feyijinmi
A devoted member of our Section and our Corresponding Secretary, Dr. Grace is the epitome of an unsung hero. Whether supporting the Community Fridge, mentoring in Young Diamonds, or showing up at nearly every event, she serves tirelessly behind the scenes. She asks for nothing in return—her joy comes from strengthening our community and advancing NCNW’s mission.

Unsung heroes like Danielle Wilson and Dr. Grace Feyijinmi remind us that impactful service rarely seeks the spotlight; it simply changes lives.

⸻

📽️ Honoring Our History

We were proud to share a video capturing our Section’s journey—from our founding as the North Shore Section in 1968 to the present day. This initial draft marks the beginning of a growing historical archive that will continue to be refined and expanded.

A very special thank you to the women who brought this vision to life:
• Courtney Oliver & Brittany Waddy – Video creation and production
• Barbara Maxwell & Virginia Allen – Narration and historical guidance

Your dedication made this tribute unforgettable.

⸻

Here’s to 90 years of NCNW.
Here’s to the women who build, uplift, and lead.
And here’s to the future we continue to create—together.

11/22/2025

🎉💜 Join Us in Celebrating 90 Years of Service, Sisterhood & Justice! 💜🎉
The National Council of Negro Women – Staten Island Section invites you to our Annual Founder’s Day Celebration as we honor nine decades of empowering communities and carrying forward our legacy of leadership.

✨ Friday, December 5, 2025
⏰ 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 Snug Harbor, Building P
👗 Attire: Black & Pearls
💲 Donation: $25

Please remember to bring donations for our Senior Holiday Party as we continue to spread love and support throughout the season.
Let’s come together in unity, purpose, and celebration. We can’t wait to see you there! 💐💜

11/16/2025

NCNW Staten Island Section – Young Diamonds Community Service Day

This morning, the Young Diamonds Leadership Council of the National Council of Negro Women, Staten Island Section, volunteered at Faith United Methodist Church for a community service day. Under the guidance of our Youth Chair and Third Vice President, Tylah Davies, our Young Diamonds demonstrated what it truly means to lead through service.

Service is our sparkle, and today our youth shined bright.
The Young Diamonds helped distribute food — including donations provided through Amazon — to individuals and families throughout the community. Their commitment, teamwork, and compassion made a meaningful difference for those we served.

We are incredibly proud of our Young Diamonds for stepping up, giving back, and continuing the legacy of service that defines NCNW.

11/09/2025

The National Council of Negro Women, Staten Island Section proudly joined the NAACP Staten Island Branch for its 100th Anniversary Freedom Fund Luncheon — “A Century of Courage: Honoring Our Legacy, Empowering Our Future.”

Our members showed up in strong numbers to support our immediate past president, Nicole Meyers, now serving as the newly elected President of the NAACP Staten Island Branch.

From powerful reflections by L. Joy Williams, President of the NAACP New York State Conference of Branches, to inspiring youth leadership and the soulful sounds of The Mighty Kamm Band, the luncheon celebrated 100 years of advocacy, unity, and progress for our community.

The Staten Island Section of NCNW was honored to stand in solidarity with our NAACP sisters and brothers as they mark this historic centennial milestone of service and impact.

11/08/2025

Staten Island NAACP 100th Anniversary Freedom Fund Luncheon Weekend

Celebrating 100 Years of Advocacy, 1925–2025

The National Council of Negro Women, Staten Island Section was proud to stand in support of the NAACP Staten Island Branch as they celebrated 100 years of advocacy, leadership, and community empowerment during their historic Centennial Weekend.

The celebration began with the Staten Island NAACP Centennial Pop-Up Museum at Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden — an inspiring evening organized, sponsored, and led entirely by the Staten Island NAACP Youth Council. The Youth Council curated the exhibition, designed the program, and brought a century of Black history to life through storytelling, art, and performance — a shining example of young leadership in action.

The evening opened with greetings from Youth Council Secretary Madison Singleton and a prayer by Rev. Marvin Abrams, Pastor of United Missionary Baptist Church (UMBC) in Brownsville, Brooklyn. Guests joined in singing “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” setting a tone of unity and reverence that carried throughout the program.

Highlights included a stirring performance of Maya Angelou’s “Still I Rise” by Xzayla Wilson, a student at Brooklyn High School of the Arts and now President of the NAACP Staten Island Youth Council, and remarks from NAACP President Nicole Meyers, who emphasized the importance of preserving our history and empowering future generations to continue the work of justice.

Filmmaker Heather Quinlan also shared insights from her upcoming documentary American Graveyard, which uncovers the forgotten history of an African American burial ground on Staten Island — a reminder that our stories and sacrifices must never be erased.

The evening concluded with a call to action from President Nicole Meyers and Youth Council President Xzayla Wilson, encouraging everyone to join or renew their NAACP membership and to attend the Staten Island NAACP 100th Anniversary Freedom Fund Luncheon, continuing the celebration and commitment to the next 100 years of progress.

Staten Island Branch of the NAACP
Celebrating 100 Years of Advocacy, 1925–2025.
Thank you for standing with us. Together, we protect rights, uplift voices, and build the future.

11/04/2025

11/04/2025

🖤 NCNW–SI Attends Staten Island Black Heritage’s Black Solidarity Day Gathering

On November 3, 2025, members of the National Council of Negro Women, Staten Island Section (NCNW–SI) joined community partners for the Staten Island Black Heritage Black Solidarity Day Gathering, an inspiring evening dedicated to unity, collaboration, and collective action.

Over 50 people were in attendance, representing faith-based organizations, nonprofits, and community leaders from across Staten Island. The gathering provided space for meaningful dialogue about the key issues impacting our community, including funding access, coalition-building, and the need for shared advocacy.

✨ Keynote Address: Rev. Gilford T. Monrose

The evening featured an engaging presentation by Reverend Gilford T. Monrose, a pastor, philanthropist, husband, and father known for using his platform to bring people together across faiths and backgrounds. Rev. Monrose serves as Executive Director of the Office of Faith-Based and Community Partnerships in the Office of the NYC Mayor.

He shared valuable insights on navigating city and state discretionary funding, highlighting how community-based organizations can build capacity and secure government support for their work.

“The money is there—our task is to master the system and make sure our communities receive their fair share.”

🤝 Building Coalitions and Next Steps

The discussion emphasized the importance of collective work, communication, and resource-sharing among Staten Island organizations. Plans were introduced to:
• Relaunch the Staten Island Black Directory to showcase local organizations and their missions.
• Develop a borough-wide Family & Friends Day in August 2026, uniting multiple groups for one large celebration.
• Coordinate Back-to-School initiatives across neighborhoods to maximize funding, visibility, and community reach.

NCNW–SI members contributed to the discussion, reaffirming our Section’s commitment to collaboration, equity, and empowerment through community partnerships.

11/02/2025

🥕 COMEunity Service Day: Advancing Food Equity Together 🥕

The National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) – Staten Island Section continues its mission to address food equity through direct service, advocacy, and community resource building. One of our cornerstone initiatives, the COMEunity Fridge, operates as a 24/7 mutual aid resource—helping families access fresh, healthy food when they need it most.

This month’s COMEunity Service Day exemplified the power of collaboration and compassion.

🤝 Special thanks to our partners and volunteers:
• NCNW Health and Nutrition Committee – leading efforts to promote wellness and balanced nutrition.
• Half Table Man Disaster Assistance Relief – donating fresh fruits, vegetables, and grains.
• Jack and Jill of America, Inc. – contributing canned goods to help stock our fridge and pantry.
• NAACP Teen Group – showing true youth leadership by cleaning, organizing shelves, and preparing food for distribution.

Together, we ensure that no neighbor goes hungry and that families have access to nutritious options, even during times of crisis.

📍 COMEunity Fridge
2142 Forest Avenue, Staten Island, NY
(Open 24/7 — Take what you need, leave what you can.)

10/31/2025

FOOD RESOURCES ACROSS STATEN ISLAND
If you or someone you know is in need of food support, there are multiple free food pantries and community fridges available throughout Staten Island.

Locations include Community Health Action of Staten Island, Project Hospitality, Council of Jewish Organizations, and more.
Hours and addresses vary check the flyer for details.

Access to nutritious food is essential for health, learning, and economic stability. As part of our mission to lead, advocate for, and empower women of African descent, their families, and the community, the National Council of Negro Women, Staten Island Section remains committed to advancing food equity and ensuring that every individual and family has access to healthy, affordable food.

Please share to help spread the word and support our neighbors in need.

10/31/2025

🌟 Strength in Community | 13th Annual Nonprofit Staten Island Conference 🌟

This week, the National Council of Negro Women, Staten Island Section (NCNW-SI) joined fellow community leaders and changemakers at the 13th Annual Nonprofit Staten Island Conference — a powerful gathering themed “Rooted in Rising.”

Twenty years ago, Nonprofit Staten Island was built by people who refused to accept invisibility. Today, that same spirit continues — ensuring that Staten Island’s nonprofits and the communities we serve are seen, heard, and valued.

💬 The day began with a dynamic fireside chat sponsored by A Chance in Life, featuring keynote speakers Tatiana Sabatelli (Executive Director, Nonprofit Staten Island), Laura Jean Watters (Executive Director, Staten Island Foundation), and Brian J. Laline (Executive Editor, Staten Island Advance).

🧠 Some of the workshops offered included:
• Building Resilience and Sustaining Impact through Scenario Planning
• Amplifying Voices with a PR Toolkit
• Rooted in Community: Leveraging Networks and Partnerships

Other sessions explored topics such as Land and Groundwork: Central Operations for Growing Nonprofits and Board Builders: Evaluating Governance to Drive Impact.

🏆 Honorees were recognized for their outstanding service and leadership:
• Voice Award: Dr. Timothy Lynch, President, CUNY College of Staten Island
• Response Award: Mary Rafferty, Community Resource Staten Island
• Building Award: Dr. Joanne Gerenser, Eden II Programs

✨ The day closed with a vibrant networking reception celebrating 20 years of impact and the new “20K for 20 Years” Diamond Matching Grant Initiative.

Representing NCNW Staten Island Section were President Beth Coleman-Oliver, First Vice President Marcia Allen, Chaplain Theodora Cross, and member Vanessa Collins, alongside partners from Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, NAACP, and other community organizations.

Together, we continue to build, uplift, and strengthen our Staten Island community. ❤️