ABHW Mission
"Let us act as a catalyst in bringing Black women on Harvard University's campus together for academic, cultural, political and social purposes. Let us find strength, support, and courage in our unity and combine our intellect, spirit, and resources so that we may best address the needs and problems of black women at Harvard College and within the University as a whole. Let us be actively engaged, in the larger discourse on women’s issues, particularly those pertaining to black women, on Harvard University’s campus, nationwide, and worldwide and contribute our energies to these causes.Lastly, let us maintain an interest and commitment to the overall black experience, both within and outside of the Harvard community."
- Organization Mission as written in ABHW's Constitution
The Association of Black Harvard Women (ABHW) was founded in 1975, through a unanimous decision by 65 black Radcliffe women. We strive to strengthen the bonds of black sisterhood through community discussion, social events and public service.
ABHW currently serves a membership of over 100 Harvard undergraduates with discussions addressing pertinent issues affecting black women.ABHW stands strong as not only a sort of family for black women at Harvard, but an outlet for social, political, and personal change. With community service programs such as the Alberta V. Scott Mentorship Program, named for the first black woman to graduate from Harvard, and standing active for almost 7 years now, and more recent additions such as the AAC (ABHW Action Committee), ABHW continues to thrive, always aiming to give to its membership, and the greater world community at large. Now in 2009, ABHW women proudly carry the torch forward.
ABHW Timeline
1975 - The Association of Black Radcliffe Women (ABRW) was founded in winter of this year. Ms. Avarita Hansen (‘75) called a meeting of black women to Currier House to ensure there was a way for black women to maintain sisterhood once her class graduated. ABRW was their response.
1983 - After a short hiatus of approximately 8 years, Ms. Anne Bailey (‘86) with the help of Dean Phillipa Bovet revived the organization. Ms. Bailey recruited the help of three women: Gail Burton (’86), Valerie Barton -Richardson (’86) and Allysunn Walker-Williams (‘86) to help her with this endeavor.
ABRW had its first cultural awareness show with guest speaker Ntozake Shange.
Instituted the ABRW scholarship program for a college bound, Boston/Cambridge high school senior.
1985 - ABRW hosted the first ever Black Alumni Reunion in early March. Over 200 alumni were in attendance, and the oldest attendee was from the class of 1923.
1993 - President Ms. Renee Richardson (’96) played an important role in solidifying the sisterhood of ABHW, organizing a moment of silence to support the Million Man March.
1994 - ABRW unfortunately became inactive once again for the short time period of a year.
1995 - Ms. Kerrien Rollins (‘98) played an integral role in reviving ABRW once again.
1996 - A water ceremony was held to rededicate the organization put on under the presidency of Ms. Meredith Bell-Platts (‘97).
1998 - The First Annual Tribute to Black Men took place under the presidency of Ms. Karen Bell (‘99).
2001 - The Alberta V. Scott mentoring program was created. Named after the first African American graduate of Radcliffe College, it began during the presidency of Ms. Kim Levey (‘03).
2005 - The 30th Anniversary Celebration took place in early October, with over 125 women to celebrate ABRW and ABHW’s legacy. The event occurred under the presidency of Ms. Nicole Laws (‘06) and was organized by the Alumnae Representative Ms. Natasha Alford (‘08).
2006 - The first issue of “SisterSpeak,” the official ABHW/ABRW alumnae newsletter, was sent out in April. Created and implemented by Alumnae Representative Ms. Natasha Alford (‘08), under the presidency of Ms. Nicole Laws (‘06).
ABHW in the News
April 13, 2008 --Tribute Honors Black Men
May 18, 2007--Undergraduates Kick Off Diversity Campaign at Primal Scream
May 14, 2007--Students Air Racism Concerns
February 13, 2007--First Black Woman Prof Honored with Portrait
April 25, 2006--Alford '08 Steps Up to 'Mission of Sisterhood'
April 17, 2006--Black Women's Group Dishes Out Honors
March 21, 2006--Student Groups Urge More AIDS Advocacy
March 1, 2006--Women Discuss Feminism
October 11, 2005--Black Female Alums Celebrate Third Decade
May 3, 2005--Women's Groups Hold Dance Clinic
April 19, 2005--Laws Wins ABHW Presidential Election, Promises To Increase Cooperation With Other Women's Groups
April 18, 2005--ABHW Event Honors Black Men
April 19, 2004--Black Women's Group Names Man of Year