Founded in 1935, NCNW is one of the largest and most influential black women's organizations worldwide. Its founder, Mary McLeod Bethune, formerly president of the National Association of Colored Women, envisioned a more inclusive and activist organization. A reported twenty-nine church, civic, professional, and sororal groups, elite as well as working class, sent delegates to the founding conference in New York City. Bethune served as president until 1949.

NCNW pursued civil and human rights, black self-help, and community service. Many members joined coalitions in support of federal antilynching legislation. They supported local communities’ nonviolent protests against Jim Crow in relief and jobs programs (1930s); defense industries and Armed Forces during World War II; and denial of the right to vote. Their delegation attended the inaugural meeting of the United Nations (1945). Afterward, they contributed crucially to school desegregation, affirmative action, antipoverty programs, and UN humanitarian projects. Today, with an estimated membership of 4 million, NCNW continues its work for social justice.