About The Baptist Women’s
Educational Convention, Inc.

The Baptist Women’s Educational Convention, Inc. (BWEC) is a historic and visionary 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to the advancement of Black women and their support of Simmons College of Kentucky—Louisville’s only Historically Black College and University (HBCU). Founded in 1883 by President William J. Simmons, BWEC was created to empower Black women to lead efforts in securing vital resources for the college, then known as the Kentucky Normal and Theological Institute.

More than a century later, BWEC continues to thrive as a dynamic network of women of faith, purpose, and action. We mobilize financial support, cultivate partnerships, and develop leaders rooted in academic excellence, spiritual resilience, and faith-based advocacy.

Amidst the dismantling of DEI programs, the attempt to erase Black history, and systemic underfunding of HBCUs, BWEC was recently incorporated to expand and help sustain Simmons College of Kentucky. Simmons is a rare, radical act of resilience. It is among a handful of HBCU’s founded, governed, led, and supported by black people. This “comeback” HBCU regained its land and campus lost during the 1930s Depression, re-established accreditation, acquired new buildings and funding, and is welcoming its largest class in recent history. Built by and for black people, it is imperative that BWEC, Inc. expand and develop its support of Simmons College.