-NCNW Names Event Co-Chairs and Announces New Honoree Recognitions-
(WASHINGTON, D.C., Oct. 15, 2025) – Today, the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) announced the Uncommon Height Award Gala will return on Dec. 6 for the 19th year, marking 90 years of dedication to leading, advocating for, and empowering women of African descent, their families and communities. The biennial event will take place at the Marriott Marquis in Washington, D.C., with a new name, Uncommon Height Honors Gala, and structure.
“This year marks our 90th Anniversary of the founding of NCNW, which makes this 19th biennial Uncommon Height event special. The vision of our Founder, Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, is undisputedly relevant now,” said NCNW President & CEO Shavon Arline-Bradley. “Dr. Dorothy Irene Height, for whom the event is named, carried out the vision of Dr. Bethune and was dedicated to acknowledging and lifting others who have made a difference in our world as to how we got to this great event. We are looking forward to a wonderful celebration that should not be missed.”
The second gala, under the leadership of NCNW Chair Dr. A. Lois Keith and Rev. Arline- Bradley, named Dr. Johnnetta Betsch Cole and Carla Harris as co-chairs of this year’s event, with Toyota Motor Company of North America returning as presenting sponsors. Dr. Cole, a renowned anthropologist and educator, served as the seventh board chair and national president of NCNW, and is responsible for the new governance structure based on her experience serving simultaneously as the chair of the board and president, and wanting to move the organization into the 21st century while championing intergenerational leadership to ensure the work continues. A corporate titan, Harris is the Senior Client Advisor at Morgan Stanley, having completed a 30-plus-year career as a Vice Chairman and Managing Director.
Throughout her career, she has managed and executed billions of dollars in equity and equity- related transactions. She sits on three corporate boards and is the author of three books; her most recent, Lead to Win, received stellar reviews.
NCNW Board Chair, Dr. A. Lois Keith, said, “We have two dynamic women who will be chairing the event this year. Celebrating our 90th Anniversary; we would not have it any other way. Their leadership, poise, and grace are second to none. Their dedication to the mission of NCNW and to the success of this event assures our guests that they will have an evening to remember as we pave the way for 10 years from now, marking our centennial celebration. Dr. Cole and Carla would have set a very high bar. We are excited for our new format, which allows us to honor the positive contributions of well-deserving recipients.”
Under the new event name, Uncommon Height Honors, it remains the organization’s signature fundraising event, with proceeds used to fund programs of critical concern known as “Four for the Future” – health, education, economics, and social justice. For the 19th installation, in addition to the Crystal Stair Award, the original award given to an individual who demonstrates
a lifetime devoted to the protection of freedom and pursuit of excellence in career and personal dedication to humanity as did Dr. Height, five honoree categories were added:
- Uncommon Journalist will be presented to a Black journalist who is dedicated to reporting the facts to foster critical thinking and action for the betterment of Black women, their families and communities.
- Uncommon Changemaker will be presented to a changemaker under the age of 40.
- Uncommon Athlete will be presented to a Black woman athlete who has excelled to the top of her chosen sport.
- The Alexis M. Herman Achievement in Public and Community Service Award is named for The Honorable Alexis Herman, the first Black U.S. Secretary of Labor who served in the Clinton Administration and passed away earlier this year. This award will be presented to a Black public servant who is dedicated to the advancement of Black women, their families and communities.
- The Charles L. Franklin Associate Award, named for the late Charles L. Franklin, the husband of the late former S. Secretary of Labor Alexis Herman, will be awarded to a Black man who actively supports Black women and their causes.
The NCNW executive committee chooses honorees based on their positive and bold contributions, as well as their commitment to unity and self-reliance for Black women, their families, and communities. The honorees will be announced at a later date.
Historically, the gala is named in honor of NCNW President Emerita, Dr. Dorothy Irene Height, who led the organization for over 40 years and achieved notoriety due to her immense contributions to economic justice, civil rights, and education. To further honor her, one honoree would receive the Crystal Stair Award. It is awarded to an individual who demonstrates a lifetime devoted to the protection of freedom and pursuit of excellence in career and personal dedication to humanity, as did Dr. Height. This award will continue to be given. The 2023 recipient was Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, president/general secretary of the National Council of Churches (NCC).
Founded in 1935 by Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, an influential educator and activist, NCNW is an “organization of organizations,” comprised of more than 350 campus and community-based sections and 37 national women’s organizations that enlighten, inspire, and connect more than 2,000,000 women and men. The NCNW mission is to lead, advocate for, and empower women of African descent, their families, and communities.
For more information and to attend, visit uncommonheight.com.
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