The national organization began in 1970 when a small group of women met in New York City to address issues facing Black women in the wake of the civil rights and women's movements. Naming themselves the Coalition of 100 Black Women, they initiated programs addressing the crisis of the Black family, career advancement, and political and economic empowerment. Through these programs the women worked to develop their leadership skills and potential. On October 24, 1981, with well over 100 members, the Coalition expanded into a national organization named the National Coalition of 100 Black Women (NCBW). As a nonprofit, advocacy and volunteer organization of women, the Coalition continues its dedication to community service, leadership development, and the enhancement of career opportunities through networking and programming. The national organization holds a biennial conference, which San Antonio members attend.

In 1995, several prominent San Antonio women formed the San Antonio Founding Members Organizing Group to discuss interest in forming a local chapter of the NCBW. The San Antonio Chapter of NCBW was chartered April 13, 1996 at a ceremony held in the San Antonio City Council Chambers. The founding Chapter President was State Representative Ruth Jones McClendon. The goal of the San Antonio Chapter is to positively influence the lives of young African American females in San Antonio and to empower African American women in general, to reach their highest potential. The chapter draws on the strength of its membership to work toward solutions on issues of concern to the contemporary Black woman. New members are inducted and officers are installed during an annual combined induction ceremony and holiday celebration held in December. The local chapter is organized into six standing committees: Membership, Program, Community Involvement, Advocacy, Budget & Finance and Fundraising.

The San Antonio chapter provides community programs designed to enhance the lives of women of all ages. The Candace Awards Gala became the chapter's signature event in 1999 to recognize achievements of African American women and of men who have demonstrated unique support of African American women. The organization participates actively in promoting the Bosom Buddies program to alleviate breast cancer. The membership also participates in the Women Working in Neighborhood Schools Program (WINS) working with children at Booker T. Washington Elementary and Wheatley Middle School in East San Antonio by furnishing basic supplies and mentors to facilitate learning. WINS is a collaborative effort of NCBW and San Antonio Fighting Back of the United Way. In addition to WINS, the Coalition runs the MentorNet Program, a leadership program that mentors young girls at Wheatley Middle School through their adulthood to help them plan, prepare for and meet their career goals. Coalition members also hold Children's Community Health Fairs twice a year to promote a proactive approach to good health within the African American community. As part of its advocacy efforts, the local chapter has assisted in the voter registration drive, and strongly endorses the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIPS), providing affordable health insurance for children.