Candace Awards

NCBW platforms its concept of role modeling annually when it selects distinguished Black women from across the nation and presents them a Candace Award. This awards program, which began in 1982, takes place at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. The unique presentation brings to the attention of American people the outstanding Black role models of uncommon distinction who have set a standard of excellence for young people of all races to emulate. In 1992, segments of the program were televised on America's Black Forum (ABC-TV) and on Black Entertainment Network, a cable station.

Candace is the ancient Ethiopian title for empresses and queens and is an appropriate reflection of Black women’s history steeped in greatness. The Candace award is the symbol of the National Coaltion of 100 Black Women which is an advocacy organization that strives to empower Black women seeking to meet their diverse professional goals. The Coalition fosters programs that provide a comprehensive network among professional Black women and establishes links to the civic, corporate and political sectors.

* Candace Award Recipients

Gender Analysis

This initiative addresses the gender aspects of economic, educational and health-related issues. Funded by the Shell Oil Company Foundation in the year 2000 for $175,000 over a three-year period, it calls for the inclusion of a gender dimension in all NCBW programs, both national and local. The first program around this initiative took place in Palm Beach, Florida, in July of 2000 and the second one in Los Angeles, California, in January 2001. A panel of experts addressed the gender dimensions related to the foregoing issues.

Women in Partnership

Young Women in Transition. To find solutions to the growing problem of teenage pregnancies, this program, which was developed in 1982, matches professional Black women with teen mothers, aged 14–17, for 18 months. The professionals serve as role models and mentors and encourage the teenagers to complete their high-school education and to explore further educational and career opportunities. WIP is being carried out by 50 percent of the chapters.

Time to Read

In 1991, NCBW entered into a partnership with Time Warner to sponsor this program, which provides sets of supportive materials valued at $30,000 each. Six NCBW chapters—Atlanta (GA), Tuskegee (AL), Houston (TX), Richmond (VA), Columbus (OH), and the District of Columbia—have incorporated this project into their existing literacy programs. Time Warner trained more than 150 tutors. And more than 500 children participated in the program.

Shades of Literacy and Skills Development

The Fund developed this pilot project in 1992, in cooperation with Maybelline.  The project provides supportive services in reading, writing, and image development for single mothers aged 16–25.  Four chapters are involved:  Memphis (TN), Decatur-DeKalb (GA), Bridgeport (CT), and Fort Lauderdale (FL).  More than 300 young people participate in the project. 

During 1993 and 1994, the Fund carried out the research for a literacy manual, with a Shades of You life-skills component.  Funded by Maybelline, Building Beautiful Bridges was disseminated to all NCBW chapters.

College Level Intervention

This program, which ran in conjunction with City College in New York, has been replicated in the New Jersey, California, and Indiana chapters.  It began with NCBW and Spelman College, in Atlanta, Georgia, providing unique business experiences for Spelman interns (pre-law, pre-med, and business administration majors) in select New York City businesses and corporations in 1982.