2007 Recognition Reception Honoree:
Black Women’s Educational Alliance (BWEA)
Montgomery County Chapter

The Montgomery County Chapter of the Black Women’s Educational Alliance, known as
BWEA, is an organization that was founded in response to the expressed concern about equality in the field of education, with a concentration on intellectual and professional development. It continues to inspire equitable and high levels of education, provide leadership, and encourage community awareness on issues that impact education. The organization’s theme is “In Unity There Is Progress.” The Preamble stresses a concern for equal opportunities for women, a realization that opportunities are contingent upon intellectual and professional development, belief that development can be accomplished through shared experiences, a realization that women must assume leadership roles in encouraging community awareness of issues that impact education, and a responsibility to develop reflective thinking patterns in the minds of children. BWEA strives to be a constant reminder of dedication to excellence in mind, word, and deed. All members are currently employed in or have retired from the field of education at different levels and in the school districts of Montgomery County or the Philadelphia School District.

In 1975, Philadelphia School District administrators Dr. Florence Scott, Dr. Gwendolyn
Gates Hewlett, Rev. Dr. Sadie Mitchell, and Mrs. Leontine D. Scott invited female
administrators in their school district to join an organization that dealt with women in all
divisions of the field of education. Twenty-eight women, including Dr. Constance Clayton,
Superintendent of Schools, united to become the Black Women's Educational Alliance. Sensing
a need to interact with women in the field of education in the surrounding communities, a contact was facilitated, and they began to offer informational meetings. Winnie Sudler, now retired Abington School District educator, was contacted by a friend who was a BWEA member. This contact resulted in the formation of the second BWEA chapter, in Montgomery County in 1979. At present, there is a South Jersey Chapter and an interest group in Prince George County, Maryland and Atlanta, Georgia.

Concentrating on political education, job opportunities, and education equality, the
Montgomery County Chapter began to thrive on creating activities to reach inward and outward.
BWEA members believe that it is important to give students the tools that will enable them to
face the struggles of the future. To achieve their goals, the organization holds fundraisers such as fashion shows or pantry parties to provide financing for their many endeavors. Some of their
offerings include:

• Gifts of books to school libraries. The selected books specifically depict positive
  African-American characters and are written by African-American authors who
  present positive personifications and help combat negative stereotypes presented
  in the media. Each elementary school in the Abington School District has
  received $600 worth of books.
• Winter items for needy children who reside at St. Mary’s Orphanage or attend
  Willow Hill Elementary School.
• Scholarships to high school students who excel.
• Scholarships for music lessons at the Jenkintown Branch of the Settlement School
  of Music for students who have musical talent but cannot afford lessons.
• Tuition to the Abington YMCA summer camp for a needy African-American
  elementary school child.

BWEA also attempts to make a difference through action and achievement by
designing programs for educators to help them achieve their goals. They are proud of the
following:

• Career Development Grants to members to encourage education in degreed
  programs.
• Workshops for those educators who are interested in learning about assessments
  for educational advancement.
• Panels of experts that offer information about legal and political issues that
  involve education.
• Book funds for graduate student members who are enrolled in post graduate
  degree programs.
• Forums concerning health and financial information.

When asked what they think makes Abington and Rockledge strong and vital communities, representatives said that the history of Abington and Rockledge makes it an entity
of strength. Abington has proven to be academically at the top when compared with other
districts throughout the nation. Its test scores on standardized assessments have consistently
ranked well in the academic community. Rockledge has proven its independence in maintaining a government unified in keeping a community focus that maintains pride and strength. The combination is both winning and admirable.

BWEA believes in the consistent development of character education as it allows individuals to develop tolerance, courage, kindness, and respect for the rights of others; concern for the underdog; honesty; justice; and persistence. It must be part of both the home and school environment. BWEA believes that a unified youth can feel part of the larger family of community. Pride in the community can lead youngsters to concentrate on positive ideals. Instead of each child feeling alone, youngsters can better understand others through sensitivity training and gain a better realization of self. BWEA also believes that service learning provides students with opportunities to delve into working within the community. Instead of children concentrating on “what they can get,” their service learning helps them to think about “what they can give.”

The Montgomery County Chapter of the Black Women's Educational Alliance is very proud that its President, Dr. Sandra Wilson, and five other members of the Chapter are graduates of Abington School District. Dr. Wilson led the Chapter during its formative years and is also the recently elected National President of the Alliance.

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