Uncommon Height Gala

 


The 2021 Uncommon Height Gala will be held Saturday, November 6, 2021 • 7:00 p.m. EDT
Login is open at 6:30 p.m. EDT


Overview:

The National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) is pleased to announce the presentation of our highest award at the 2021 Uncommon Height Gala, in honor of our iconic leader, Dr. Dorothy Irene Height. The Crystal Stair Award is presented to an individual who demonstrates a lifetime devoted to freedom and the pursuit of excellence.  The award is a tribute to the late Dr. Dorothy Irene Height, former chair of NCNW, described as the ability to extend far above and beyond oneself to achieve greatness.The National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) is pleased to announce the presentation of our highest award at the 2021 Uncommon Height Gala, in honor of our iconic leader, Dr. Dorothy Irene Height. The Crystal Stair Award is presented to an individual who demonstrates a lifetime devoted to freedom and the pursuit of excellence.  The award is a tribute to the late Dr. Dorothy Irene Height, former chair of NCNW, described as the ability to extend far above and beyond oneself to achieve greatness.

The Uncommon Height Gala brings together many of the country’s top community and business leaders, educators, entertainers, elected officials, and media personalities to recognize NCNW’s years of service. NCNW members, sections and affiliates, will honor the philosophy of the organization’s founder, Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, and the vision of the future led by 7th National President, Dr. Johnnetta Betsch Cole.

We will present the Crystal Stair award to Kenneth Chenault, former CEO of American Express, and his wife, Kathryn Chenault, an outstanding philanthropist, child advocate, and former attorney.
 

We are pleased to present a new award, named after our very own founder, Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune.  On behalf of NCNW, Ms. Oprah Winfrey will present the Bethune Award to Ms. Stacey Abrams, an esteemed trailblazer for social justice and voter’s rights, as well as Founder and CEO of Fair Fight. 

 

The Uncommon Height Gala is a festive black-tie optional event. Proceeds are used to continue our long-standing community-based programs, empower women, strengthen families and communities, and launch new initiatives for future generations. Its forward-thinking programs like Women’s Empowerment & Entrepreneurship Webinars, Millennial Entrepreneurs Webinars, and GirlTECH foster the growth of women’s influence in business, science, and technology. 

 
Led by Dawna Michelle Fields, Director of Colgate-Palmolive Corporate Social Responsibility program, “Bright Smiles, Bright Futures” for North America, and NCNW Vice President and Co-Chair of the Bethune-Height Recognition Program, and hosted by the Honorable Alexis Herman, former Secretary of Labor, NCNW Executive Board Member.  and the President of the Dorothy I. Height Educational Foundation, the gala promises to be an extraordinary celebration. We are fortunate to have as our honorary co-chairs for this year’s gala Mr. Kenneth Frazier, business executive chairman, and former CEO of Merck & Co., and Mrs. Andrea' Frazier, civic leader, and entrepreneur. Toyota Motor North America, Inc. is this year’s presenting sponsor.

health guidance for a safe and memorable occasion.