By The National Council of Negro Women, Inc. (NCNW)
Washington, DC – Dr. A. Lois Keith, an accomplished educator, community activist, and civil rights champion, will serve as the National Council of Negro Women, Inc.’s (NCNW) new Chair of the Board, guiding the organization’s mission into 2023 and beyond. Dr. Keith will bring her years of leadership, activism, and education expertise to the NCNW, ensuring that the organization’s objectives of supporting social justice, STEAM education, business, and health equality are further achieved in the coming years.
Dr. Keith, a Legacy Life Member and Bethune Achiever, is an active member of NCNW, where she has devoted so much of her life to its goal and purpose. She was privileged to serve as co-chair of the NCNW’s 57th National Convention in 2016, and she was voted to the post of National Vice President. Both Presidents Dr. Dorothy I. Height and Ms. Ingrid Saunders Jones have appointed her as National Membership Chair.
She was re-appointed Vice President in 2022. Dr. Keith served on the NCNW Transition Team and co-chaired the 60th Biennial National Convention. Dr. Keith has also worked as an Executive Member-at-Large, a member of the National Nominating Committee, a member of the National Re-certification Committee, and a National Assistant Secretary. She currently works as co-chair of Membership and is a member of the President’s Circle. She is the Chair of the Leadership Committee in her local DeKalb Section. She has served as President, First Vice President, Second Vice President, Secretary, and Assistant Secretary of the DeKalb Section, and she is a founding member of the DeKalb Pacesetters Life Guild.
“I’ve known Dr. Lois Keith professionally and personally for many years,” said former National President and Chair Ingrid Saunders Jones. Her contributions to and for NCNW have been a boon to our cherished group. Dr. Keith effectively responded to the challenge to rethink the NCNW membership process, and she and Diane Larché collaborated to take that work to the next level, with an emphasis on multigenerational engagement.” She went on to add, “Dr. Keith is the right person for this time, and I thank her for everything she has done and will do for NCNW.”
Dr. Johnnetta Betsch Cole, immediate past President and Chair, stated, “As Chair of the Board of Directors of our beloved organization, Dr. Lois Keith will continue to be an exceptional NCNW leader.” Throughout her many years of work at NCNW, she has been known for jointly fixing issues and creating solutions. She inspires others while staying modest about her own accomplishments. Dr. Keith believes in the strength of intergenerational endeavors and has unwavering integrity. As Dr. Keith serves as Chair of the NCNW Board, we can anticipate our group to continue to grow rapidly. Yes, it will!”
Dr. Keith is an advocate for fair education in addition to her work at NCNW. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education from Alabama A&M University, where she majored in Mathematics and minored in General Science. She earned a Master’s degree in Middle School Education from Georgia State University and also attended Mercer University. She taught for the Henry County School System for 30 years, while also acting as the Math Department Chair and Beta Club Sponsor. Her many honors include being named Teacher of the Year in 1991-92 and 2000-2001, being named to Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers, and receiving the Principal’s Award in 1995-1996.
Dr. Keith has earned several honors and accolades for her extensive work in community service and education, including a proclamation from the State of Georgia for her contribution to NCNW and the community. In 2014, she was privileged to be the main speaker at the dedication and ribbon cutting event for Georgia’s new and first public Dorothy I. Height Elementary School. Dr. Keith was designated the first winner of the Lois Keith Trailblazer Award for Exemplary Community Service by the DeKalb Section in late 2014. In 2014, she received the Living the Legacy Award.
Dr. Keith was honored with a Hidden Figure Award and an Honorary Doctorate Degree from American Bible University in 2018. She earned the Vanguard Award of Excellence in Leadership Award from the National Women of Achievement, Inc. in 2020, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from Real Women Atlanta Magazine on July 22, 2021.
Dr. Keith belongs to the Georgia and Henry County Retired Educators Associations, where she previously served as President. She is a founding member of the East Metro Orchids, where she worked as chartering secretary and is now the 2nd Vice President. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.’s Xi Beta Omega Chapter, where she acts as minister. Dr. Keith attends the Move of God Church in Atlanta, Georgia. She and her late spouse, Lonnie, had a lovely forty-nine year marriage.
They loved to travel and toured seven of the eight countries. “My husband supported me in every way possible, and he was my biggest cheerleader,” Dr. Keith said. He’d be so pleased of me.” Darius is their only child.
Dr. Lois Keith will be an excellent head of the board of the National Council of Negro Women, Inc., drawing on her knowledge as an educator and her experience as a successful leader.