Honoring Maxine Waters at the NCNW 90th Anniversary Gala
Maxine Waters is receiving the National Council of Negro Women’s highest honor as the organization marks 90 years of service. The Crystal Chair Award will be presented to the longtime congresswoman at the 19th Biennial Uncommon Height Honors Gala on December 6. This special award recognizes a lifetime of protecting freedom, pursuing excellence, and serving humanity.
The honor reflects Waters’ decades of leadership in Congress. She has served in the U.S. House of Representatives since 1991 and continues to be a strong voice for justice and economic fairness. NCNW President and CEO Shavon Arline-Bradley shared that Waters’ impact aligns deeply with the legacy of Dr. Dorothy Irene Height, the civil rights icon who led NCNW for 40 years.
NCNW is celebrating this milestone year by honoring seven outstanding individuals during the gala. It is the first time the event will present multiple awards, and Waters’ Crystal Chair Award stands at the top.
NCNW Celebrates 90 Years of Black Women’s Leadership
The National Council of Negro Women was founded in 1935 by educator and activist Mary McLeod Bethune. For 90 years, the organization has worked to uplift Black women, families, and communities across the country. NCNW now includes nearly 400 campus and community-based sections and 37 national women’s organizations, connecting over 2 million people.
This year’s gala theme highlights Black excellence at a time when many historic protections are under threat. Bradley explained that the event honors every part of NCNW’s mission.
“We decided to honor every facet of our institution,” Bradley said. “Our theme focuses on Black families and Black America being under attack. Our intention is to celebrate them.”
The gala will feature the Change Maker Award for young women under 30 and the Uncommon Journalist Award for reporters facing challenges in today’s political climate. Through these honors, NCNW aims to spotlight leadership across generations.
Why This Year’s Celebration Matters Even More
This milestone arrives during a difficult moment for Black communities, especially in areas tied to policy, opportunity, and economic stability. Recent executive orders have weakened diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, making life harder for many marginalized groups. Black women, in particular, are facing rising unemployment rates, reaching 7.5%. Leaders like Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley are urging action from federal institutions.
Bradley made clear why NCNW’s work is so essential right now.
“In this time, we’ve got to activate,” she said. “Our history tells us not only that we are resilient, but we’re innovative and creative.”
Funds raised from the gala will support NCNW programs, scholarships, and direct community services. The organization continues to stand as a powerful network for Black women, especially during moments of national change.
The event will be hosted by Emmy Award-winning anchor Linsey Davis, with DJ D-Nice serving as emcee. It will also be led by NCNW Chair Dr. A. Lois Keith, along with event co-chairs Dr. Johnnetta Betsch Cole and Carla Harris.
Looking Ahead With Purpose and Pride
The 90th Anniversary Uncommon Height Honors Gala is more than a celebration; it is a reminder of the strength, leadership, and vision of Black women across generations. Maxine Waters’ Crystal Chair Award underscores her long fight for justice while highlighting the ongoing work needed to protect Black communities.
As NCNW enters its next chapter, the organization continues to uplift the values of resilience, unity, and action—principles that remain vital today.
