National Coalition Of 100 Black Women Celebrates 30th Anniversary
By Cherri Gregg
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The National Coalition of 100 Black Women's annual luncheon is inspired by a legend.
Madam C.J. Walker was the first American woman to become a self-made millionaire.
Born in 1867 in Louisiana, she invented hair care products for African American women, building an empire while giving back at levels unheard of during her time.
"Her story is synonymous with our organizational agenda and our mission," says Robyn Younger, president of the National Coalition of 100 Women, Pennsylvania Chapter.
The group's annual Madam C.J. Walker Luncheon and Economic Empowerment Seminar draws more than 700 attendees from across the region.
They empower Black women and girls through advocacy, scholarships, and promoting leadership, and have been doing it for three decades.
"We want to provide access to and also assist in getting through to leadership," says Younger, "many of our women get access, but never get through. That's why we provide scholarships to young women post high school."
The sold out luncheon takes place Saturday at the Loews Hotel in Center City. The Economic Development seminar portion is free and open to the public.