About

The Union County Club of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc. was organized in October 1972 and chartered in 1973 during the 38th National Convention in Buffalo, N.Y. The founders were: Laura Simmons, Francis Smith, and Mollie Smith.   There were 16 bold women that were chartered members: Mildred Harris, Muriel Ingram, Laura Simmons, Hazel Lee, Ellawese McLendon, Eva Plinton, Olivia Saunders, Francis Smith, Mollie Smith, Susan Smith, Florence Staples, Angela Stephens, Louis White, Ruth Sykes, Hazel Whitfield, and E. Elaine Williams. Of the chartered members only three are active today, Ruth Sykes, Hazel Whitfield and E. Elaine Williams. The members are funeral directors, educators, chemists, entrepreneurs and various other professions and managers.

Out of the six districts of the National Association, Union County Club is in the Northeast District. The early programs of the club provided financial assistance to deserving high school seniors, the United Negro College Fund, Africare, NAACP, impoverished Haitians, nursing homes Myasthenia Gravis Foundation and the Association’s Nannie Jenkins Day Care Center in Cuthbert, GA.  In 1976, a Youth Club was organized.  The adult club and youth club focus was on health, education, employment, and economic development. Both clubs have won awards for program excellence and membership development at the district and national levels.  Presently the club has become involved with voter registration, women’s rights, human trafficking, Martin Luther King Day of Service and Juneteenth programs. The club’s mission is to promote and protect the interests of women business owners and professionals.