Our History: Where Did We Come From?
The National Hook-Up of Black Women was founded in 1974 by a small group of spirited Black women during the fourth Congressional Black Caucus Legislative Weekend who recognized the need to establish a communications network between women’s organizations and the Congressional Black Caucus. These women met in a hotel room and organized a national forum to articulate the needs and concerns of women and children.
Dr. Arnita Young Boswell, NHBW Founder was born on April 19, 1920 in Detroit, Michigan. She was an activist and educator and along with her sister Eleanor and brother Whitney were raised in Lincoln Ridge, KY where her vocation for community service was nurtured. Dr. Boswell earned a Bachelor's degree from Kentucky State University, a Master's degree in social work from Atlanta University and an honorary Doctoral degree in social work from the University of Colorado, Boulder. Most of Dr. Boswell's professional life was dedicated to teaching and social services. Besides being a founder of the National Hook-Up of Black Women, Dr. Boswell was also the founder of the League of Black Women and the Women's Board of the Chicago Urban League. Dr. Boswell passed away on July 6, 2022 at a hospital in Los Angeles. Her legacy lives on!
2025 Presidential Medal of Freedom Recipient!
Fannie Lou Hamer, NHBW Shero was born on October 6, 1917 in Montgomery County, Mississippi the youngest of 20 children. She was an ardent activist and community organizer who advocated for voting and women's rights, and became involved in the civil rights movement when she assisted the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) and the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) with organizing a voter registration drive in Ruleville, MS which challenged the state's laws that were designed to deny Blacks the right to vote. Despite being arrested and beaten for her civil rights work which left her with permanent injuries, Fannie Lou remained deeply committed to civil and political activism. Fannie Lou passed away on March 14, 1977 and her tombstone reads, "I am sick and tired of being sick and tired."