The reach of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) Metropolitan Sun of Arizona Section (MSAZ) continues to grow throughout Phoenix and the surrounding communities of Maricopa County. Recent experiences involving Legacy Life member Dr. Gwendolyn Murell President of Metropolitan Sun of AZ NCNW demonstrates how MSAZ NCNW presence can take many forms, from international cultural exchange to the celebration of art within our local communities.
This summer, Dr. Murell traveled to Washington, D.C., to participate in the 70th Anniversary Homecoming of Sister Cities International, an organization dedicated to strengthening relationships between communities around the world through people to-people diplomacy and cultural exchange.
Dr. Murell is a member of both the Los Angeles-Lusaka Sister City organization and Tempe Sister Cities. Her participation in the Washington, D.C. gathering provided opportunities to connect with Sister Cities representatives from across the United States and around the world, including fellow Arizonans representing Scottsdale, Sedona and other communities.
One of the highlights of her visit was meeting Ambassador Shigeo Yamada of Japan. Dr. Murell was also among attendees invited to a reception at the Ambassador’s residence, where guests gathered in celebration of the international relationships fostered through the Sister Cities movement. During his welcoming remarks, Ambassador Yamada spoke about the importance of people-to-people exchange, communication, and connection among nations.
The gathering represented something Dr. Murell’s community involvement has long reflected: meaningful relationships can create bridges between people who may otherwise never have an opportunity to meet.
Her Washington experience also included an opportunity to meet with Ghana’s Vice President, Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, along with interactions with Sister Cities members representing communities throughout the United States and abroad.
While Dr. Gwen’s travels took that spirit of connection thousands of miles from Arizona, another recent recognition brought the story much closer to home.
Dr. Murell is also an artist, and her artwork was recently selected for display through the City of Goodyear’s Arts and Cultural programming, including exhibition at Goodyear Georgia T Lord Library. The opportunity allowed community members to experience another side of Dr. Murell and another way in which culture, history and individual expression can bring people together. This is in line with NCNW National priorities ” Our organization promotes education; encourages entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and economic stability; educates women about health and promotes healthcare access and promotes civic engagement and advocates for sound public policy and social justice”.
Joining Dr. Murrell at the art reception was Kimberly R. Hill, a lifetime member of the NCNW Metropolitan Sun of Arizona who also serves on the City of Goodyear Arts & Culture Commission. Through her service with the commission, Ms. Hill helps support efforts to strengthen Goodyear’s cultural identity and connect residents through the arts.
For the Metropolitan Sun of Arizona, these moments represent more than individual accomplishments. Together, they illustrate the many ways members carry out the mission and presence of NCNW into the communities where they live, work, serve, and create.
As Metropolitan Sun of AZ NCNW continues expanding its outreach beyond Phoenix and into communities throughout Maricopa County, relationships like these create new opportunities for visibility, collaboration and service. A member exhibiting her artwork in Goodyear, another serving on a city commission, and connections being formed with leaders and organizations from around the world is part of the mission of NCNW.
NCNW was founded in 1935 by Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, an influential educator and activist, and for forty years, the iconic Dr. Dorothy Height was president of NCNW. Rev Shavon Arline Bradley is the current President and CEO
of NCNW. Under her leadership, she has led a three-million-member network into a new area of political advocacy and generational growth.
Dr Gwendolyn Murell 70th Anniversary Homecoming of Sister Cities International Washington DC
Dr Gwendolyn Murell MSAZ NCNW & Ambassador Shigeo Yamada of Japan at Sister Cities International 70 Anniversary Homecoming event Washington DC.
(left) Dr. Gwendolyn Murell President Metropolitan Sun of AZ NCNW at the Georgia T. Lord Library in Goodyear, AZ Civic Square at Goodyear City Hall.
(right) Kimberly R. Hill NCNW member & Goodyear AZ Arts & Culture Commissioner
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