Salute To Excellence | Digital Program Booklet 2025-26 - Journal - Page 8
CBW History
CBW History
The Concerned Black Women of Calvert County Incorporated, also known as CBW, held its first organizing
meeting in June 2004 at the Prince Frederick firehouse. The organization was incorporated, in July, in the state
of Maryland and received its 501(C) (3) non-profit tax-exempt letter on January 15, 2004, which was effective
August 26, 2004.
CBW’s Co-Founders are Doris Cammack-Spencer, MPA, Hon. D., and Annette J. Funn. These are two actively
involved citizens who asked themselves the question, who is speaking on a variety of issues from the African
American perspective? They realized a need and the rest is history. Their vision includes that of helping to
improve the quality of life for our families, which also enhances the life of all the community.
The mission of CBW is to address issues concerning education, health, economic empowerment and overall
well-being of African American women and families within the county. This mission includes our vision to
improve the quality of life for African American families. CBW is non-partisan and its membership are open to
all those who support CBW efforts. CBW does not support or oppose political candidates.
We envision ourselves as an issue advocacy group that uses pro-active, programmatic action, dissemination
of information, networking with other community organizations, connecting with people in need of resources
and services, cultural influence by sharing our heritage and its impact on today's society, training and personal
empowerment. These services include, but are not limited to, adult and youth mentoring programs, information
technology training and access, identification of Health needs and issues, identification of Special Education
issues, establishment of scholarship programs, development of youth and young adult leaders, and participation
in the Local and State government decision making process.
Charter officers of CBW were President Doris Cammack-Spencer, Vice President Annette J. Funn, Secretary
Barbara Reid, Treasurer Charlotte Reynolds Clark and Chaplain Tess Jones Smith. The Chartering ceremony
was held at the Southern Community Center in Lusby on February 26, 2005 with nineteen charter members,
The Reverend Lilly W. Gray, Pastor of Mt. Hope United Methodist Church was the chartering and installing
officer. Rev Gray stated in her address to the charter members that their work is needed to improve the lives of
black families in the county.
