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BWUFA’s History
In 1985, African
American women were playing virtually no significant leadership or
management roles in Fairfax County Government or its Community Affairs.
Since large numbers of highly educated,
professionally experienced and extremely talented Black women resided
there, a group of concerned African American leaders concluded that
officials in decision-making positions were unaware of or had overlooked
this pool of talent as a viable resource base. The response to this
problem was to found Black Women United For Action, an organization
designed to increase the visibility and involvement of the family with
particular focus on the woman. In achieving this goal, BWUFA founders
believed they could enhance the quality of life for all.
During the formative
years 1985-88, BWUFA met infrequently in various meeting spaces
throughout Northern Virginia, including the George Mason University and the Alfred Street Baptist Church. Much discussion followed as
to the future of BWUFA and whether to create a formalized structured
entity. Eventually the consensus of the founders was yes – There soon
after, BWUFA was incorporated in April 1987, given its name and received
its 501(C) 3 status. In 1988, BWUFA found a home in office space provided
through the generosity of Unified Industries and its president, Dr. Ted
Adams. BWUFA continues to operate from this site in Springfield, Virginia. We have members throughout this nation
in Africa, Canada and Europe.
BWUFA has expanded
its out reach through various programs and projects, always moving
forward with its mission
statement, goals and objectives in clear focus…..
Following are those
visionary founding women who met at the First Baptist Church, Vienna, Virginia where the Reverend Enoch
Butler was pastor on that special day, September, 1985:
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Sheila
B. Coates, Founder
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Harlan
E. White (assistant 15 year old student, now married with children)
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Marguerite
R. Syphax (came as visiting guest from The
Northern Virginia Arlington County, Links Inc)
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Virginia
S. Williams
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W.
Lee Cox
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E.
Jean Budd
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Sherry
S. Alston
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Bernice
S. Howard
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Ernestine
C. Heastie
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Yvonne
J. McCall
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Audrey
S.Williams
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Shirley
T. McCoy
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Ora R. Lawson
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Bernice
G. Tate
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*Lillian
S. Blackwell – Deceased
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Although
unable to attend that September founding meeting, Rose Miles Robinson
was instrumental and contributed greatly to the concept and birth of
BWUFA prior to that September.
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