Eunice McLean Waller Honored for Her Work with the National Council of Negro Women

A packed banquet hall at ’s Port ‘N’ Starboard met on Saturday to honor Eunice McLean Waller and her work as the Connecticut state convener for the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW).  Unfortunately Waller, who fractured her hip on Friday, was unable to attend.  However, colleagues and friends spoke about Waller’s contribution to the NCNW, and the event was videotaped for Waller to watch at a later date.

The NCNW was founded in 1935 by noted civil rights advocate Mary McLeod Bethune.  According to the booklet given to attendees by the organizers of the luncheon, “Dr. Bethune’s purpose in founding NCNW was to harness the great power of nearly a million women into a force for constructive action.”

 Eunice Waller taught in the Waterford Public School System, retiring in 1993.  Waller also served as New London’s mayor from 1988-1989.  Until this year she continued her service with the NCNW, working at both a local and national level.  Waller worked alongside the late civil rights activist Dr. Dorothy Height, “addressing the needs and promoting the health, equality and economic growth of women of our communities,” according to the luncheon’s booklet.

The event began with an invocation by the Connecticut chapter of NCNW chaplain, Minister Patricia Edwards.  One of the ’s debutantes, Chloe Ware, led the singing of the African American anthem, “Life Every Voice.”  The singing was followed by speeches given by members of the Connecticut NCNW community, as well as local and state dignitaries.

Ms. Betty Davis, president of the NCNW New London chapter noted that Waller was “definitely a living legacy.”  Shirley Gillis ended her speech by proclaiming, “I’d like to paraphrase the American Express ad—Don’t leave home without it.  Well, don’t leave home without your NCNW card.”  Incoming state convener JoAnn Miller spoke about how while Waller was in the hospital she is “just as feisty and talkative as ever.”

Current New London Martin Olson praised Waller’s work and stated that even though he and Waller often had differing points of view regarding the running of New London city government, Waller always had a strong belief in her views and he saw her as a formidable adversary when they opposed one another in meetings.

Before lunch two sisters, Makeeda and Medasi  Asente, grades five and six, recited an original poem they wrote utilizing the letters of Eunice Waller’s name.  After lunch, guests were treated to a dance presentation by Shiloh Baptist Church’s God’s Army.  Afterwards, Waller’s friends and colleagues reflected on her life and her work.