We are a coalition whose primary purpose is to advocate on behalf of black women. We often hear about the pay gap for women in the workplace, but according to AAUW, that gap is even larger for black women. On average, a black woman will earn 63% less than her white, male counterpart. Since there are approximately 23.5 million black women in the United States (71 percent of whom are employed), this is significant. Barbara Smith once said, "Black women, whose experience is unique, are seldom recognized as a particular social-cultural entity and are seldom thought to be important enough for serious scholarly consideration." Through our purpose, core values, and agenda, we plan to change that.
The purpose of the Coalition is to ultimately foster principles of equal rights and opportunities through four key activities:
Promoting the awareness of Black culture
Developing the potential of the membership for effective leadership and participation in civic affairs.
Taking action on specific issues of national and international importance.
Cooperating with other persons and organizations to achieve mutual goals.
We believe in the following core values:
Gender Equity
Inclusion
Respect
Racial and Social Justice
Integrity and Accountability
Economic Empowerment
Collaboration
Our agenda is focused on the following five fundamental areas:
Health
Education
Economic Empowerment
Strategic Alliances
Civic Engagement
Alone, any one of these is significant; however, together, they make the foundation for change. We plan to teach, empower, and embolden black women and their allies until such time that the gender and race disparity is eliminated