The Oldest Black Baptist Women’s Organization in America
The newly incorporated Baptist Women’s Educational Convention (BWEC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose historical roots date back to 1883. When the ministerial-led General Association of Baptists in Kentucky (GABKY) failed to raise enough funds for Simmons College in 1883 and refused to admit women into its meeting to discuss university support, women lobbied and gain permission to form BWEC.
BWEC was created by President William J. Simmons of Simmons College of Kentucky to empower Black women to lead critical fundraising efforts for the college. BWEC has proudly upheld this legacy for over a century. Today, BWEC remains a vibrant and dedicated force, continuing to empower black women and raise vital funds in support of Louisville’s Historically Black College and University (HBCU), Simmons College of Kentucky.