New Haven – The National Coalition of 100 Black Women (NCBW) marked a decade of service at its Excellence Awards Brunch on Sunday, drawing a crowd of about 300 to Anthony’s Ocean View. The event honored the organization’s impact on Black women and girls through leadership development, gender equity and community health initiatives.
Keynote and Awards
Stamford Democratic State Rep. Corey P. Paris delivered the keynote address, urging young people to reject the messages that tell them to be small. Paris accepted the inaugural Carolyn D. Vermont Public Service Award, named for the late Bridgeport civil‑rights advocate.
NCBW President Virginia Harris and coalition member Brenda Ward highlighted the organization’s milestones: more than $70,000 in scholarships awarded to over 50 students, STEAM mentoring for girls, financial‑literacy programs for entrepreneurs, and heart‑health education for the broader community.
Community Leaders Recognized
Mayor Justin Elicker praised the “powerhouse Black women leading our community,” naming leaders such as Karen Dubois‑Walton of the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven, Appellate Court Judge Robin Wilson, and transportation director Haley Simpson.
Honorees included state education commissioner Charlene M. Russell‑Tucker, nonprofit founder Chaka Felder‑McEntire, and fire captain Mont’ique Pettway‑Moore, the first woman to reach that rank in the Bridgeport Fire Department’s 100‑year history.
Impact and Vision
Speakers emphasized that empowerment goes beyond a single seat at the table; it means building the table, opening doors and ensuring the next generation has the resources to succeed. The coalition’s work continues to address the economic and health disparities that Black women face, reinforcing the power of sisterhood and community support.
Original reporting: New Haven Independent — read the source article.
