NCBW: Our Vote Is Our Power
Statement
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
contactus@nc100bw.org
Primary: 404-390-3982
The historic election of Sheriff-Elect Michelle Woodfork reminds us that voting changes communities, opens doors, and moves history forward.
Atlanta, Ga-May 18, 2026 – The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. (NCBW)
celebrates the historic election of Sheriff-Elect Michelle Woodfork in Orleans Parish as a powerful
reminder of what happens when communities understand the strength of their vote.
Voting is more than a civic duty; it is how we protect our communities, honor those who fought for
this right, and shape the future our children deserve. Woodfork’s victory affirms that when Black
women lead and communities participate, progress follows.
Sheriff-Elect Woodfork earned 53 percent of the vote, avoiding a runoff and demonstrating broad
community confidence in her leadership. With more than 33 years in law enforcement, including her
historic service as the first female Superintendent of the New Orleans Police Department, she has
built a career grounded in public safety, accountability, innovation, and service.
For NCBW, this achievement is especially meaningful. Sheriff-Elect Woodfork is the sister of Mrs. Richelle Woodfork, BS/M.Ed., President of NCBW’s Greater New Orleans Chapter. Her victory reflects the influence, excellence, and leadership of Black women who continue to open doors and strengthen communities nationwide.
Every election carries the power to change lives. Our ballots decide who leads, whose voices are heard, and what priorities move forward. We cannot sit on the sidelines when our rights, our representation, and our future are on the line.
NCBW congratulates Sheriff-Elect Michelle Woodfork, the Greater New Orleans Chapter, and the voters of Orleans Parish. This moment should encourage all of us to stay informed, organize, mobilize, and vote, because our vote is our voice, our power, and our future.
Respectfully,
Virginia W. Harris
National President / National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc.
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The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Incorporated is a 45-year-old advocacy organization whose vision is that Black women and girls will live in a world where socio-economic inequity does not exist. Thus, we advocate on behalf of Black women and girls to promote leadership development and gender equity in the areas of health, education, and economic empowerment. As a voice for millions of Black women and girls in the United States, the Coalition believes in inclusion, respect, racial and social justice, integrity, accountability, and collaboration. For more information visit the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. at www.ncbw.org.
NCBW Mission: To advocate on behalf of Black women and girls to promote leadership development and gender equity in the areas of health, education and economic empowerment.
Tax-Exempt Status: NCBW is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization recognized as tax-exempt under the Internal Revenue Code of 1954.
