BY LOUIS C. WARD
LEESBURG – Ms. Shaun Wethington, an African American woman who wants to promote and recognize leadership among women of color didn’t waste any time making her goal a reality. A staunch advocate for advancing the opportunities and improving the quality of life for women of African descent, Shaun Wethington opened a National Council of Negro Women, Inc. (NCNW) section in Central Florida’s Lake, Sumter and Marion Counties in June 2024.
A chartered member of the Central Florida Orlando’s section of the NCNW since its inception in 2017, Shaun Wethington “saw that there is a great need in carrying out the mission of Dr. Mary McLeod, a renowned, educator, activist and government consultant, who supported ideals for uplifting women and encouraging them to break glass ceilings.” Shaun Wethington secured a new NCNW section, which was officially chartered by the National Membership Board of NCNW in Washington, D.C.
The newly charted NCNW, a non-profit organization of organizations, has an active partnership with 37 national and local affiliates and 33 members, including four males. According to Shaun Wethington, their president, its goals include reaching out to women who want to improve their quality of life in Africa and around the world, celebrate and strengthen the African American family, reduce health disparities, champion civil and human rights, provide voter education and registration, advocate for mental health awareness and work with the Coalition for the Homeless.
Shaun Wethington has some viable and active executive board members who represent all three counties on her team. With Wethington’s dedication and insight, her team’s support, which includes her husband, the Lake, Sumter, and Marion Counties NCNW section should be an impactful organization.
The team includes Tanya Harris Rocker, Rev. Audrey Greene, Gloria Ware, Anita Brooks, Linda Cunningham, Frederica Mack, Linda Muldrow, Olivia Pinkard, Lillian Lockette, Debra Wanza Dabney.
NCNW meets the first Saturday of every month at 10 am at the Public Library on Main Street in Leesburg, Florida, or at the United Methodist Church in Leesburg. For information, please call 407-497-7235.
