Today we’d like to introduce you to Junelle Berry.
Hi Junelle, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I have always had a heart of servitude and have always looked for ways that I could give back and have the most impact on the lives that I encounter. In today’s society, black women and girls are the most disregarded segment of the population in all areas of life. We are not afforded the same opportunities as our counterparts, from health care to the workplace. Often our voices go unheard just because of the color of our skin. I wanted to find a way for our voices to be heard and happen to come across The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. (NCBW) when I saw the Dallas Chapter was chartering.
I reached out to the organization to speak with someone regarding chartering a chapter in the Houston area in 2017. I was surprised that there was not a chapter here with Houston being one the largest metroplex.
In July of 2017 Immediate Past President Virginia Harris met with a small group of individuals who also reached out regarding a chapter here in Houston. At this meeting, we learned more about this unique and transformative organization. It was during this meeting we officially formed an interest group to bring The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. to the Houston area. Of the seven original women, three of us stayed the course. Madonna Long, Chantelle Jones, and I felt strongly that the “Time Was Now,” for the chapter to emerge in the Houston Metro area.
We are proud of our journey and being a part of a national organization that has been founded since 1981 by 24 Black women who decided to assess the problems and opportunities left behind in the turbulent 1960s. Currently, the National organization consists of thousands of progressive women of African descent who represent 63 chapters in 25 states and the District of Columbia, and whose commitment to gender equity and socioeconomic advancement drives meaning change to benefit women of color.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
We were met with many challenges on our road to chartering and establishing NCBW100 Houston Metro did have its struggles. Houston currently has many great organizations. We did a great deal of groundwork to get the information out about the organization and prove why it was vital for a chapter to exist on the local level.
Our biggest obstacle amid gaining momentum on our road to chartering was COVID-19. The uncertainty that was surrounding the pandemic caused us to pivot on how and when we would charter. Both nationals and we on the local level had a bit of uncertainty. We had to find ways to remain steadfast and assure our organizing group that chartering would come to fruition. Covid-19 impacted several in the organizing group, including an unexpected loss of one of our dear sisters, however, we rallied together to assure that despite all the obstacles we could persevere. We knew that the “Time Was Now” for us to stay the course and that NCBW was needed in the Houston area to actively advocate for Black women and girls, especially in the wake of Breonna Taylor, health care disparities against women of color, and other areas where we lack the equal access and equity to resources.
On October 11, 2020, at the height of the pandemic, 49 Fabulous and Fantastic women chartered the 63rd chapter of The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc.-Houston Metropolitan Chapter. We could not have been more excited to see all our hard work come into existence.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc.?
Currently, I serve as the Chapter President of this distinguished organization with a dynamic board of directors and members. We are a national 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and through advocacy, we work as change agents to influence policy that promotes gender equity in health, education, and economic empowerment. We believe through our efforts we will fulfill our vision of seeing black women and girls living in a world where socio-economic inequity does not exist.
The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. Houston Metropolitan Chapter is here to bring forth the necessary change that we want to see. The Time is Now for us to embark on the much-needed advocacy work for Black women and girls. The women of this organization are here and ready to make an impact in the Houston Metropolitan area. We know that our voices matter and we want to be the change we want to see when it comes to the fight for gender equity and equal access to resources.
What matters most to you?
As chartering president of this illustrious organization, one of the most important aspects is the advocacy work that we are doing in the Houston Metro area. We want to make sure that our work and our chapter will have a lasting impact in the areas of concern for black women and girls.
The other aspect that matters to me is growing our membership so that NCBW-Houston Metro has long-term sustainability. Finding women who have a heart to advocate for change and partnering with individuals who believe the same. To do this, we must grow our membership. Growing our membership will allow us to increase advocacy efforts throughout the metropolitan area and build much-needed partnerships. Membership is a key component of advocacy. Many hands not only make light work, but it also strengthens our reach within the community.
Lastly and most importantly are our current members. I would like to say, “thank you,” to our current chartering leaders and members, this organization could not exist without you! Although we are small in numbers, the sisters of this organization have stepped up and shown out with great programming and partnerships. They have brought awareness to human trafficking and domestic violence, hosted town halls and actively participated in voter registration drives, hosted webinars regarding Sickle Cell and HIV awareness, and provided several programs on how we as women can build generational wealth. The work that has been done in the past year has not gone unnoticed and I find it befitting to say thank you. Without your advocacy work, this organization could not exist. The women in our chapter truly embody the organization’s foremothers’ character, values, and commitment.
If anyone is interested in membership, we will soon have informational sessions. Follow us on our social media pages via Instagram and Facebook. We are looking for a few good women to continue growing our presence here in the Houston Metropolitan area.
Contact Info:
- Email: nc100bwhouston@gmail.com
- Website: ncbwhouston.org
- Instagram: ncbw100.houston
- Facebook: ncbw100.houston
