What Is the Akron Council of Negro Women?
The Akron Council for Negro Women was founded in April, 1932, to create a more equitable experience for local people of color. Sparked by Ms. Mary Eagle’s observations of white school teachers interacting differently with Black students than with their white peers, the group evolved from a series of neighborhood clubs into a city-wide organization. In the first Council meeting, Ms. Minnie Fletcher was elected president, and the slogan of “Lift as We Climb” was adopted. Today, the 501(c)3 nonprofit CONW celebrates 90 years of service to the Akron community.
We continue to develop events, activities and scholarships that Lift as We Climb by:
Helping local students pursue academic excellence and personal character.
Bolstering children and families at risk of falling through the cracks of social support systems
Raising the voices of women in positions of authority
Become a Member
Join us on the
Third Monday of the month at 6:00 p.m.
at the Lawton Street Community Center
Want to make your community stronger and more equitable for everyone? Ready to be an active part of the change you want to see in the world? Join us today!
What to Expect
The CONW meets once per month at the Lawton Street Community Center, on the third Monday of each month at 6:00 p.m. Meetings last 30 to 60 minutes and include lively discussion on a variety of topics in an informal atmosphere. Come visit one of our meetings to get a feel for the group and see if it’s a good fit for you!
Attend an Event
We host events throughout the year to build a sense of community, celebrate special moments and help our neighbors through tough times. Join us to share the joy of Lifting as We Climb! Have an idea for an event you’d like to see happen? Let us know! We’re all about making our community better by listening to suggestions from our fellow Akronites.
February 12 – Laundry of Love
August 24 – Scholarship Brunch
December – Breakfast with Santa
Volunteer with Us!
The CONW needs your skills, talents and enthusiasm! The only requirement to volunteer with us is a willingness to help others. No matter your age, skill set, economic status, gender or skin color, you have something valuable to bring to our table.
Our volunteers help with everything from setting up for events to assembling donated school supplies to delivering donations to families in need. If you have a particular expertise that could help improve our outreach efforts – like mad resume-writing skills or fluency in a second language – give us a heads-up and we’ll do our best to incorporate it into the volunteer experience.
Our Community Partners
We are proud to partner with a variety of local and national organizations that believe in the power, persistence and presence of women of color. When you partner with us, our entire community benefits from greater awareness of our diversity and easier access to systems of support.
Lift as We Climb to a Better, Stronger Akron!
Help us help your neighbors thrive! 100% of all donations to CONW go directly to people in our community. Cash donations amplify the Varner Tucker scholarship fund, and material donations are distributed to families in need throughout the community.