In 1956, two years after the U.S. Supreme Court outlawed separate and unequal public education — and a period many Richmonders remember vividly — Richmond and many other Southern cities were in the midst of growing political change.

But persistent racial inequalities in health, education and employment opportunities and resources faced by women and children, in particular, spurred the establishment of the Richmond section of the National Council of Negro Women.

With six decades of advocacy and memories, the Richmond branch of the women’s organization will be celebrating its diamond anniversary Nov. 12 at a Henrico County hotel, according to its President Faye K. Logan. Janice L. Mathis, the executive director of the national organization, is the speaker for the ticketed event to which the public is invited.

The theme, “The Move Continues,” is particularly powerful, Mrs. Logan says. “The same struggles — racial tension, drug abuse, job discrimination, social injustices, political upheaval, unemployment and the disappearance of a sound family structure — are the same concerns that we are encountering today.”

The National Council of Negro Women was founded nationally in 1935 by Mary McLeod Bethune, an educator and civil rights advocate who started a school for girls in Florida in 1904 that later became Bethune-Cookman University. She envisioned an organization that would harness the power of women to create change in starting the NCNW. It’s fourth president, Dr. Dorothy I. Height, was a Richmond native.

According to its mission, the organization “serves as a catalyst for effective action to address disparities and inequities in communities of color through research, service and advocacy.”

Started with seven women, the organization’s Richmond section now has 31 members and 14 lifetime members, and is one of 230 sections in the United States and the Caribbean.

True to its mission, the Richmond group engages in community events through partnerships with a variety of organizations, including the Central Virginia Food Bank, the Pregnancy Centers of Central Virginia, Virginia Union University, Sisters Network Central Virginia and others.

With her election in September to a second two-year term as president, Mrs. Logan is leading the organization as it faces two special challenges — engaging black millennial women and encouraging people to vote.

Her strategy for reaching more students and young adults, the demographic catalyst for the organization’s formation 81 years ago, is to remain transparent in understanding millennials, she says, “in order to bridge the gap between the beliefs of NCNW and this generation. They are the ones who will continue to carry the legacy of Mary McLeod Bethune in leaving no one behind.”

Her other challenge is mobilizing Richmonders for this year’s presidential and general election Nov. 8.

“NCNW has campaigned and campaigned for years for the right to vote and the right candidates,” she says. “But for this election in particular, getting out and voting is what really counts.”

The organization is working with Imani Christian Ministries to register new voters and engage old ones, Mrs. Logan says.

Meet civic activist and this week’s Personality, Faye K. Logan:

Community leadership position: President, Richmond Virginia Section of the National Council of Negro Women.

Other leadership positions: Treasurer, Pierians Foundation.

Place of birth: Danville.

Current residence: Richmond.

Alma mater: Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Averett College.

Family: Husband, Larry; and children, Tammy and Kevin.

Why I accepted this responsibility: Because of a genuine love of people and the opportunity to serve the community in providing services and programs in the name of NCNW.

How and when I got involved with NCNW: I was invited to an NCNW meeting by a lady at my church.

The Mission of NCNW: To advance the opportunities and the quality of life for African-American women, their families and communities. NCNW has more than 200 community-based sections and 28 national affiliate organizations. Virginia has chapters in Northern Virginia, Norfolk and Portsmouth. The Richmond Virginia Section founding members: Bernice Sampson, Laura Jackson Hall, Rosa Meade, Luvinia Banks, Marian Bell Saunders Richardson, Susie Williams and Doris Ford.

Profile of section members: Our section consists of women with various backgrounds, including educators, social workers, chaplains, counselors, authors, accountants, ministers and motivational speakers.

Why I’m excited about this organization: I have been afforded the opportunity to serve the community and provide hope when there does not seem to be any; being vocal on issues of health, economics, education, justice and every issue where African-Americans need to be heard; the ability to give leadership to the Richmond Section when women have many new organizations with which they can become affiliated. Not very many organizations survive the founder, much less the ones that come behind.

The National Office of NCNW: Located in the nation’s capital, the NCNW celebrated its 80th birthday on Nov. 13, 2015, approximately one year before the Richmond Section celebrates 60 years. Richmond has been active two-thirds of those 80 years. How awesome!

Section’s No. 1 challenge: Recruiting millennials who embrace the values of Mary McLeod Bethune and Dorothy Height. As we continue this journey of meeting the needs of women and their families, NCNW has ushered in the third generation by electing Janice L. Mathis, an attorney, to succeed Dr. Height.

How I plan to meet it: We plan to reach out to college-bound students and students who attend local universities, churches and sororities whose presidents are already affiliates of the national office.

What makes a good leader: A leader is a “people person,” a great listener, one who is willing to listen to feedback, whether good or bad, and use it as a stepping stone to build trust and growth within an organization.

What makes me tick: Spending time with my grandchildren.

Communities can do more if: We realize that we are truly our brother’s keeper. We must work to build trust while supporting each other.

Three words that best describe me: Kind, compassionate and sociable.

How I start the day: Prayer and a “to do” list.

I place top value on: God, family and friends.

Heroine: My mother. She was a classy lady who smiled and was a great example for my sisters and me.

Hobbies: I enjoy playing piano and listening to hymns and light gospel.

Best late-night snack: A cup of hot chocolate all through the year.

Perfect evening: Dinner with my family.

No one knows that: I dislike chitterlings and pig’s feet.

When people first meet me they think: She is friendly.

No. 1 pet peeve: Disrespectful drivers.

The best things my parents ever taught me: Be respectful, go to college or get a job. Do not beg, borrow or steal. Do not wait for a handout. Do not spend every dime that you earn.

Person who influenced me the most: Former Richmond Mayor Walter Kenney.

Book that influenced me the most: “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff and It’s All Small Stuff” by Richard Carlson.

Book I’m reading now: “The Fred Factor” by Mark Sanborn.

Next goal: To work with other NCNW chapters in establishing a Southeastern regional chapter.