During the week of September 26-30, 1995, NBCDI members Grace Bottoni, Marie Crockett, Bessie Gray, Lyn Hildenbrand, Dawn Jackson, LaShaun Jackson, and Wanda Montgomery (all from Milwaukee) attended the National Black Child Development Institute Conference in Washington DC. As a result of attending this conference, and the knowledge gained from this educational experience, we immediately felt the urgency of returning home to establish an affiliate in Milwaukee.

 

Upon our return, we learned that past efforts to establish an affiliate had been explored but, while the interest had been apparent, the logistics of doing so were unmanageable at that time. In November of 1995, a Milwaukee Interest Group of NBCDI members formed a planning team. The team met monthly and secured over 25 members for the Steering Committee in preparation for becoming an affiliate at the 1997 NBCDI Conference. We also completed several service projects to meet charter requirements.

 

On November 15, 1997, the National Black Child Development Institute officially recognized the Milwaukee Group as the Black Child Development Institute – Milwaukee Interest Group. Our founding members were: Marie Crockett*, President; Wanda Montgomery, Vice President; Ann Terrell, Secretary; Lorraine Carter*, Treasurer; Jessye Adams*; Grace Bottoni; Lynette Bracey*; Michelle Buckingham; LaShaun Jackson; Jeanette Stevens; and Alberta Whitaker. (*Deceased)