National Coalition of 100 Black Women Establishes Hurricane Relief Fund at Texas Southern University

National Leaders Assist Students in Achieving Educational Goals

NEW YORK, Oct. 14, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Today the National Coalition of 100 Black Women (NCBW) announced the establishment of the NCBW Hurricane Relief Fund at Texas Southern University (TSU) in Houston to assist black female students, displaced by Hurricane Katrina, in achieving their academic goals. The board of directors chose this approach to hurricane relief efforts because it is compatible with one of NCBW's program priorities -- education.

Approximately 300 young women, formerly students at three Historically Black Colleges and Universities in New Orleans -- Dillard, Xavier and Southern -- are now enrolled at Texas Southern University, another historically black university.

"Although TSU waived their tuition, these young women still need housing, food, books, clothing and personal items," said NCBW President Leslie A. Mays. "The NCBW Hurricane Relief Fund will focus on providing assistance for these needs."

To establish the fund, NCBW will donate a minimum of $20,000 to TSU for the purpose of helping the female students most affected by Hurricane Katrina. In addition, its chapters, which are located in 25 states and the District of Columbia, have provided approximately 700 hours in volunteer services; have donated such items as school supplies, food, clothing and hair products; and have contributed more than $26,460 in cash, which does not include the amount to be allotted to the NCBW Relief Fund.

The funds will be allocated to black female students who are residents of the states of Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi and who demonstrate the most need, as defined by the university. The minimum relief allocation will be $500 per student and the maximum $2,000 per student.

Recently, the National Coalition of 100 Black Women postponed its biennial conference, which was scheduled October 12-16, 2005, in Houston, "in order to focus on an approach that would define and facilitate our national relief effort," according to President Mays. The conference is rescheduled for June 7-11, 2006, at the Hilton Americas-Houston Hotel.

The National Coalition of 100 Black Women consists of 62 chapters across the country in most major cities. Its mission is to advocate on behalf of women of color through national and local actions and strategic alliances that promote leadership development and gender equity in the areas of health, education and economic development.

For Conference Information

-- NCBW Conference Registration, Vendor Booth Information, and Sponsorship Opportunities: log on to www.nc100bw-houston.com, call (212) 222-5660 or (713) 529-5711.

-- Hotel Reservations: 713-739-8000 or www.americashouston.hilton.com

About the National Coalition of 100 Black Women

The National Coalition of 100 Black Women consists of more than 3,500 members, with 62 chapters across the country in most major cities. Its mission is to advocate on behalf of women of color through national and local actions and strategic alliances that promote leadership development and gender equity in the areas of health, education and economic development.

CONTACTS: Shirley Poole, Executive Director
          Office: 212-222-5660
          Cell:   212-203-5000
          Nc100bwslp@aol.com 

          Margaret Menger, the Clifford Group, inc
          Office: 713-529-5711
          Cell:   713-291-7903
          Margaret@thecliffordgroup.com