Since receiving its charter in November 2013, the National Congress of Black Women Kansas City Chapter has served as a beacon of empowerment and civic engagement for Black women throughout the Kansas City metropolitan area. Founded under the visionary leadership of Sylvya J. Stevenson, NCBW-KC builds on the legacy of the national organization, which traces its roots to 1984 and counts Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm as its first national chair.
The Kansas City chapter is deeply rooted in community values and social justice, standing firmly for positive image and energy in women of color, human rights, health equity, and economic empowerment. NCBW-KC believes in direct representative democracy and views K-12 public education as a social responsibility. The organization is passionate about rebuilding families, enriching communities through education and service, and preserving culture within the Kansas City region.
At its core, NCBW-KC's mission centers on empowering and engaging Black women to utilize their voices in decision-making processes and developing local solutions to cultural, educational, economic, and political issues affecting Black communities. The organization's founding members—including Sylvya Stevenson, Shirley Stevenson, Neichele Stevenson, YaLonda Smith-Johnson, and others—established a sisterhood dedicated to training youth on citizenship responsibilities, encouraging voter registration and political participation, and creating pathways for African American women to seek elective and appointive offices.
Through programs like the Women Girls Torch Carriers Conference and the Ebony Rose Scholarship Awards Gala, NCBW-KC connects, uplifts, and elevates Black women and girls across Kansas City, creating a vibrant network where dreams are realized and potential is unleashed.