Our History
The History of
Sacramento NCBW
We are an organization of progressive black women whose unified voices promote gender equity and socio-political advancement that drive meaningful change to benefit Black women and girls. Our history of dedication to civil rights, community service and activism starts with our chartering president, Rosemary Jones-Melvin.
Community service and activism is in Rosemary Jones-Melvin’s DNA. Born and raised in Mobile, Alabama, her parents both modeled and stressed the importance of education, community service, and activism when raising their children, amidst oppressive segregationist policies.
Growing up in Mobile, Alabama, in the 1940s through the 1970s, Ms. Rosemary knows firsthand about entering public buildings, doctors’ offices, and restaurants through back doors, segregated schools, and white-only water fountains and toilets. Yet far from accepting these injustices passively, she fought actively and passionately in the struggle for dignity and civil rights.
As a high school senior, Ms. Rosemary spent weekends as the volunteer secretary for the Mobile Chapter of the NAACP. As a college student, she spent Saturdays participating in peaceful sit-ins at Woolworth lunch counters under the tutelage of the Reverend Joseph Lowery, Civil Rights leader and founder of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.
“Five of us would go in and sit peacefully at the lunch counter,” she recalls. “We did not expect to be served. We were there to make a point.
An educator for more than 40 years – with 27 of those years in Davis, California – Ms. Rosemary personalizes the critical importance of education taught by her parents. “Know what is going on in the world so that you can be a part of the conversation,” she advises. “You must read to be knowledgeable, but everything you need to know is not in a book.”
As a high school senior, Ms. Rosemary spent weekends as the volunteer secretary for the Mobile Chapter of the NAACP. As a college student, she spent Saturdays participating in peaceful sit-ins at Woolworth lunch counters under the tutelage of the Reverend Joseph Lowery, Civil Rights leader and founder of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.
“Five of us would go in and sit peacefully at the lunch counter,” she recalls. “We did not expect to be served. We were there to make a point.
An educator for more than 40 years – with 27 of those years in Davis, California – Ms. Rosemary personalizes the critical importance of education taught by her parents. “Know what is going on in the world so that you can be a part of the conversation,” she advises. “You must read to be knowledgeable, but everything you need to know is not in a book.”
Her father died in 1953 and, as the eldest of three children being raised by their widowed mother, she entered college at age 16. She attended year-round to finish as quickly as possible. “I knew I had to finish and get college out of the way” to help with the education of her younger siblings.
She learned the importance of honesty as a young girl, because, as she says, “it shows respect for oneself.” She believes in giving to those less fortunate. Her mother, a woman of great faith, a big heart, and wonderful humor, instilled in Ms. Rosemary the obligation of each person to help those less fortunate. She recalls, “My mother would say, ‘You always have enough to share.’”
She advises young Black women and girls to “love yourself – poor esteem invites gullibility. Have faith in God. Treat people as you would like to be treated. Do not worry about how others treat you; be concerned about how you treat others.”
After teaching in Alabama, Arkansas and Florida, Ms. Rosemary moved to California where she continue as an educator and volunteer, serving at high levels with local organizations, including the executive board of the Junior League (a women’s organization promoting voluntarism, community activism, and leadership). Aware of NCBW’s national advocacy lifting-up Black women and girls, “I felt Sacramento could benefit from such an organization.”
Her father died in 1953 and, as the eldest of three children being raised by their widowed mother, she entered college at age 16. She attended year-round to finish as quickly as possible. “I knew I had to finish and get college out of the way” to help with the education of her younger siblings.
She learned the importance of honesty as a young girl, because, as she says, “it shows respect for oneself.” She believes in giving to those less fortunate. Her mother, a woman of great faith, a big heart, and wonderful humor, instilled in Ms. Rosemary the obligation of each person to help those less fortunate. She recalls, “My mother would say, ‘You always have enough to share.’”
She advises young Black women and girls to “love yourself – poor esteem invites gullibility. Have faith in God. Treat people as you would like to be treated. Do not worry about how others treat you; be concerned about how you treat others.”
After teaching in Alabama, Arkansas and Florida, Ms. Rosemary moved to California where she continue as an educator and volunteer, serving at high levels with local organizations, including the executive board of the Junior League (a women’s organization promoting voluntarism, community activism, and leadership). Aware of NCBW’s national advocacy lifting-up Black women and girls, “I felt Sacramento could benefit from such an organization.”
What has been most fulfilling for her? “The members and supporters who continue to sustain the organization after 20 years.”, she says.
Ms. Rosemary believes Sacramento NCBW has a solid future. “Our dreams are yet to be realized because we have so much potential.” New members bring new ideas and new energies to the chapter that allow NCBW to be a viable and relevant chapter that continues to make significant contributions to the Sacramento Black community, and Sacramento as a whole,” she says.
Important to the chartering president is maintaining and protecting the chapter’s good name. “As we continue to grow, we must focus on our programs, remain positive, and confront our problems front and center, regardless the challenge. We are strong, we are viable, and we are still learning.”
To women considering membership, she assures that Sacramento NCBW is well respected. “Our programs, even amid Covid-19, are outstanding. Black women who are willing to work and contribute to our communities are welcome here.”
Ms. Rosemary is the architect of Sacramento NCBW’s Annual Business and Community Awards Luncheon, one of the largest and most elegant events in Sacramento, which each year honors Black women achievers in various fields. Additionally, the luncheon recognizes a female student whose youthful achievements identifies her as a rising star.
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Sacramento NCBW’s annual luncheon “stands for who we are and what we are about – putting our best foot forward to honor Black women in this community. It is our way of saying ‘Thank you, we see you, and we honor you in the manner you deserve.'”
