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The National Association of Colored Women's Clubs (NACWC) is an American organization that was formed in July 1896 at the First Annual Convention of the National Federation of Afro-American Women in Washington, D.C., United States, by a merger of the National Federation of Afro-American Women, the Woman's Era Club of Boston, and the Colored Women's League of Washington, DC, at the call of
Josephine St. Pierre Ruffin Josephine St. Pierre Ruffin (August 31, 1842 – March 13, 1924) was an African-American publisher, journalist, civil rights leader, suffragist, and editor of the '' Woman's Era'', the first national newspaper published by and for African-Ameri ...
. From 1896 to 1904 it was known as the National Association of Colored Women (NACW). It adopted the motto "Lifting as we climb", to demonstrate to "an ignorant and suspicious world that our aims and interests are identical with those of all good aspiring women." When incorporated in 1904, NACW became known as the National Association of Colored Women's Clubs (NACWC).


History

The National Association of Colored Women (later National Association of Colored Women's Clubs) was established in Washington, D.C., on July 21, 1896. This first of what would later become biennial convention meetings of the association was held at the Nineteenth Street Baptist Church. The organizations attending this convention included the National Federation of Afro-American Women, the Woman's Era Club of Boston, and the National League of Colored Women of Washington, DC, the Women's Loyal Union as well as smaller organizations that had arisen from the
African-American African Americans (also referred to as Black Americans and Afro-Americans) are an ethnic group consisting of Americans with partial or total ancestry from sub-Saharan Africa. The term "African American" generally denotes descendants of ensl ...
women's club movement. These organizations and later others across the country merged to form the National Association of Colored Women. The organization helped all African-Americans through its work on issues of civil rights and injustice, such as women’s suffrage, lynching, and Jim Crow laws.


Foundation

Two of NACWC's leading members were
Josephine St. Pierre Ruffin Josephine St. Pierre Ruffin (August 31, 1842 – March 13, 1924) was an African-American publisher, journalist, civil rights leader, suffragist, and editor of the '' Woman's Era'', the first national newspaper published by and for African-Ameri ...
and
Mary Church Terrell Mary Church Terrell (born Mary Eliza Church; September 23, 1863 – July 24, 1954) was one of the first African-American women to earn a college degree, and became known as a national activist for civil rights and suffrage. She taught in the Lati ...
, who organized their regional women's clubs at the July 1896 convention to resist negative representations of Black Women. To defend their respectability, they refuted a letter written by James Jacks, then president of the
Missouri Press Association Missouri is a state in the Midwestern region of the United States. Ranking 21st in land area, it is bordered by eight states (tied for the most with Tennessee): Iowa to the north, Illinois, Kentucky and Tennessee to the east, Arkansas to th ...
because Jacks' letter referred to them as thieves and prostitutes. Mrs. Booker T. Washington,
Margaret Murray Washington Margaret Murray Washington (March 9, 1865 - June 4, 1925) was an American educator who was the principal of Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute, which later became Tuskegee University. She also led women’s clubs. She was the third wife ...
, convened the meeting. Founders of the NACWC included
Harriet Tubman Harriet Tubman (born Araminta Ross, March 10, 1913) was an American abolitionist and social activist. Born into slavery, Tubman escaped and subsequently made some 13 missions to rescue approximately 70 slaves, including family and friends, u ...
,
Margaret Murray Washington Margaret Murray Washington (March 9, 1865 - June 4, 1925) was an American educator who was the principal of Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute, which later became Tuskegee University. She also led women’s clubs. She was the third wife ...
,
Frances E. W. Harper Frances Ellen Watkins Harper (September 24, 1825 – February 22, 1911) was an American Abolitionism in the United States, abolitionist, suffragist, poet, Temperance movement, temperance activist, teacher, public speaker, and writer. Beginning in 1 ...
, Ida Bell Wells-Barnett,
Victoria Earle Matthews Victoria Earle Matthews (''née'' Ella Victoria Smith, May 27, 1861 – March 10, 1907) was an American author, essayist, newspaperwoman, settlement worker, and activist. She was born into slavery in Fort Valley, Georgia and moved to New York Cit ...
, Josephine Silone Yates, and
Mary Church Terrell Mary Church Terrell (born Mary Eliza Church; September 23, 1863 – July 24, 1954) was one of the first African-American women to earn a college degree, and became known as a national activist for civil rights and suffrage. She taught in the Lati ...
.


Mission

The organization defined its first year agenda through multiple issues inhibiting the social mobility of black people. These included: "Chain Gang System of the South, the Separate Car Law of the South, the Plantation Mother and Child, Rescue Work in the Alleys and Slums of our Great Cities, the Founding of Homes for our Working Classes, and a Greater Interest in our Fallen and Wayward." During the next ten years, the NACWC became involved in campaigns in favor of women's suffrage and against
lynching Lynching is an extrajudicial killing by a group. It is most often used to characterize informal public executions by a mob in order to punish an alleged transgressor, punish a convicted transgressor, or intimidate people. It can also be an ex ...
and
Jim Crow laws The Jim Crow laws were state and local laws enforcing racial segregation in the Southern United States. Other areas of the United States were affected by formal and informal policies of segregation as well, but many states outside the S ...
. They also led efforts to improve education, and care for both children and the elderly. Membership grew from 5,000 members in 1897 to 100,000 by 1924 before a decline during the
Great Depression The Great Depression (19291939) was an economic shock that impacted most countries across the world. It was a period of economic depression that became evident after a major fall in stock prices in the United States. The economic contagio ...
.


Notable leadership

Josephine St. Pierre Ruffin Josephine St. Pierre Ruffin (August 31, 1842 – March 13, 1924) was an African-American publisher, journalist, civil rights leader, suffragist, and editor of the '' Woman's Era'', the first national newspaper published by and for African-Ameri ...
and
Mary Church Terrell Mary Church Terrell (born Mary Eliza Church; September 23, 1863 – July 24, 1954) was one of the first African-American women to earn a college degree, and became known as a national activist for civil rights and suffrage. She taught in the Lati ...
made major contributions to the National Association of Colored Women. Their efforts led the NACWC to become the most prominent organization formed during the
African-American Woman Suffrage Movement African-American women began to agitate for political rights in the 1830s, creating the Boston Female Anti-Slavery Society, Philadelphia Female Anti-Slavery Society, and New York Female Anti-Slavery Society. These interracial groups were radical ...
. Both women were educated and had economically successful parents. Josephine St. Pierre Ruffin used part of her estate to fund ''Woman’s Era'', the first journal published by and for African-American women. This publication established black women as a public audience and a community for both NACWC members and prospective members.
Mary Church Terrell Mary Church Terrell (born Mary Eliza Church; September 23, 1863 – July 24, 1954) was one of the first African-American women to earn a college degree, and became known as a national activist for civil rights and suffrage. She taught in the Lati ...
was a formidable organizer. She led the struggle in Washington, DC against
segregation Segregation may refer to: Separation of people * Geographical segregation, rates of two or more populations which are not homogenous throughout a defined space * School segregation * Housing segregation * Racial segregation, separation of humans ...
in restaurants and succeeded in winning a court decision for integration there.


Officers Elected


Inaugural Meeting

:Officers elected at the first meeting of the National Association of Colored Women, July 1896. *President - Mrs.
Mary Church Terrell Mary Church Terrell (born Mary Eliza Church; September 23, 1863 – July 24, 1954) was one of the first African-American women to earn a college degree, and became known as a national activist for civil rights and suffrage. She taught in the Lati ...
*First Vice President - Mrs.
Fanny Jackson Coppin Fanny Jackson Coppin (October 15, 1837 – January 21, 1913) was an American educator, missionary and lifelong advocate for female higher education. One of the first Black alumnae of Oberlin College, she served as principal of the Institute for ...
*Second Vice President - Mrs. F. E. W. Harper *Third Vice President - Mrs.
Josephine St. Pierre Ruffin Josephine St. Pierre Ruffin (August 31, 1842 – March 13, 1924) was an African-American publisher, journalist, civil rights leader, suffragist, and editor of the '' Woman's Era'', the first national newspaper published by and for African-Ameri ...
*Fourth Vice President - Mrs. Josephine Silone Yates *Fifth Vice President - Mrs.
Sylvanie Williams Sylvanie Francoz Williams (died August 12, 1921) was an American educator and clubwoman based in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. Early life Sylvanie Francoz was born in New Orleans, the daughter of François Francoz and Sarah Francoz. The date of h ...
*Sixth Vice President - Mrs. Jennie Chase Williams *Seventh Vice President - Mrs.
Lucy Thurman Lucy Thurman (October 22, 1849 – March 29, 1918) was a national temperance lecturer from Jackson, Michigan. Biography Lucinda "Lucy" Smith was born on October 22, 1849, in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada to Nehemiah Henry Smith and Katherine Ca ...
*Recording Secretary - Mrs.
Alice Ruth Moore Alice Dunbar Nelson (July 19, 1875 – September 18, 1935) was an American poet, journalist, and political activist. Among the first generation born free in the South after the Civil War, she was one of the prominent African Americans involved i ...
*Corresponding Secretary - Miss A. V. Thompkins *Treasurer - Mrs.
Helen Appo Cook Helen Appo Cook (July 21, 1837 – November 20, 1913) was a wealthy, prominent African-American community activist in Washington, D.C. and a leader in the women's club movement. Cook was a founder and president of the Colored Women's League ...
*Chairman of the Executive Committee - Mrs.
Margaret Murray Washington Margaret Murray Washington (March 9, 1865 - June 4, 1925) was an American educator who was the principal of Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute, which later became Tuskegee University. She also led women’s clubs. She was the third wife ...
*National Organizer - Mrs.
Victoria Earle Matthews Victoria Earle Matthews (''née'' Ella Victoria Smith, May 27, 1861 – March 10, 1907) was an American author, essayist, newspaperwoman, settlement worker, and activist. She was born into slavery in Fort Valley, Georgia and moved to New York Cit ...
*Editorial Staff - Mrs. Booker T. Washington,
Margaret Murray Washington Margaret Murray Washington (March 9, 1865 - June 4, 1925) was an American educator who was the principal of Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute, which later became Tuskegee University. She also led women’s clubs. She was the third wife ...
, Dr.
Rebecca Cole Rebecca J. Cole (March 16, 1846August 14, 1922) was an American physician, organization founder and social reformer. In 1867, she became the second African-American woman to become a doctor in the United States, after Rebecca Lee Crumpler thre ...
, Mrs. Rosa D. Bowser, Mrs. Ida Wells-Barnett, Mrs. Frances J. Jackson *Ways and Means Committee - Mrs. J. Napier Kemp, Miss Lulu Chase, Mrs.
Ella Mahammitt Ella Lillian Davis Browne Mahammitt (November 22, 1863 – September 9, 1932) was an American journalist, civil rights activist, and women's rights activist from Omaha, Nebraska. She was editor of the black weekly '' The Enterprise'', president ...
, Miss Julia F. Jones *Committee to Draft Constitution - Mrs. A. V. Jones, Mrs. Anna Jones, Mrs.
C. L. Franklin Clarence LaVaughn Franklin ( ''né'' Walker; January 22, 1915 – July 27, 1984) was an American Baptist minister and civil rights activist. Known as the man with the "Million-Dollar Voice", Franklin served as the pastor of New Bethel Baptist ...
, Mrs. Rosa D. Bowser, and Mrs.
Victoria Earle Matthews Victoria Earle Matthews (''née'' Ella Victoria Smith, May 27, 1861 – March 10, 1907) was an American author, essayist, newspaperwoman, settlement worker, and activist. She was born into slavery in Fort Valley, Georgia and moved to New York Cit ...
* Other significant attendees - Mrs. John H. Smyth


NACWC objectives

# To work for the economic, moral, religious and social welfare of women and children. # To protect the rights of women and children. # To raise the standard and quality of life in home and family. # To secure and use our influence for the enforcement of civil and political rights for all citizens. # To promote the education of women and children through the work of effective programs. # To obtain for African-American families the opportunity of reaching the highest levels of human endeavor. # To promote effective interaction with the organization's male auxiliary. # To promote inter-racial understanding so that justice and good will may prevail amongst all people.


Presidents

*
Mary Church Terrell Mary Church Terrell (born Mary Eliza Church; September 23, 1863 – July 24, 1954) was one of the first African-American women to earn a college degree, and became known as a national activist for civil rights and suffrage. She taught in the Lati ...
– 1st President (1896–1900) * Josephine Silone Yates – 2nd President (1900–1904) *
Lucy Thurman Lucy Thurman (October 22, 1849 – March 29, 1918) was a national temperance lecturer from Jackson, Michigan. Biography Lucinda "Lucy" Smith was born on October 22, 1849, in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada to Nehemiah Henry Smith and Katherine Ca ...
– 3rd President (1904–1908) * Elizabeth Carter Brooks – 4th President (1908–1912) * Margaret James Murray (Mrs.
Booker T. Washington Booker Taliaferro Washington (April 5, 1856November 14, 1915) was an American educator, author, orator, and adviser to several presidents of the United States. Between 1890 and 1915, Washington was the dominant leader in the African-American c ...
) – 5th President (1912–1916) * Mary B. Talbert – 6th President (1916–1920) * Miss Hallie Q. Brown – 7th President (1920–1924) *
Mary McLeod Bethune Mary Jane McLeod Bethune ( McLeod; July 10, 1875 – May 18, 1955) was an American educator, philanthropist, humanitarian, womanist, and civil rights activist. Bethune founded the National Council of Negro Women in 1935, established the organi ...
– 8th President (1924–1928) * Mrs. Sallie Wyatt Stewart – 9th President (1928–1933) * Dr. Mary Fitzbutler Waring – 10th President (1933–1937) * Mrs. Jennie B. Moton – 11th President (1937–1941) * Mrs. Ada Belle Dement – 12th President (1941–1945) * Mrs. Christine S. Smith – 13th President (1946–1948) * Ella P. Stewart – 14th President (1948–1952) * Irene McCoy Gaines – 15th President (1952–1958) * Dr Rosa L. Gragg – 16th President (1958–1964) * Mamie B. Reese – 17th President (1964–1968) * Myrtle Ollison – 18th President (1968–1972) * Juanita W. Brown – 19th President (1972–1976) * Inez W. Tinsley – 20th President (1976–1980) * Otelia Champion – 21st President (1980–1984) * Myrtle E. Gray – 22nd President (1984–1988) * Dolores M. Harris – 23rd President (1988–1992) * Savannah C. Jones — 24th President (1992–1996) * Patricia L. Fletcher — 25th President (1996–2002) * Margaret J. Cooper — 26th President (2002–2006) * Dr. Marie Wright Tolliver – 27th President (2006–2010) * Evelyn Rising – 28th President (2010–2014) * Sharon R. Bridgeforth – 29th President (2014–2018)"Roster of Officers"
, NACWA. * Andrea Brooks-Smith – 30th President (2018–present)


Conventions

*
1st First or 1st is the ordinal form of the number one (#1). First or 1st may also refer to: *World record, specifically the first instance of a particular achievement Arts and media Music * 1$T, American rapper, singer-songwriter, DJ, and reco ...
, 1897, Nashville, Tennessee * 2nd, 1899, Chicago, Illinois * 3rd, 1901, Buffalo, New York * 4th, 1904, St. Louis, Missouri * 5th, 1906, Detroit, Michigan * 6th, 1908, Brooklyn, New York * 7th, 1910, Louisville, Kentucky * 8th, 1912, Hampton, Virginia * 9th, 1914, Wilberforce, Ohio * 10th, 1916, Baltimore, Maryland * 11th, 1918, Denver, Colorado * 12th, 1920, Tuskegee, Alabama * 13th, 1922, Richmond, Virginia * 14th, 1924, Chicago, Illinois * 15th, 1926, Oakland, California * 16th, 1928, Washington, D. C. * 17th, 1930, Hot Springs, Arkansas * 18th, 1933, Chicago, Illinois * 19th, 1935, Cleveland, Ohio * 20th, 1937, Fort Worth, Texas * 21st, 1939, Boston, Massachusetts * 22nd, 1941, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma * 23rd, 1946, Washington, D. C. * 24th, 1948, Seattle, Washington * 25th, 1950, Atlantic City, New Jersey * 26th, 1952, Los Angeles, California * 27th, 1954, Washington, D. C. * 28th, 1956, Miami, Florida * 29th, 1958, Detroit, Michigan * 30th, 1960, New York, New York * 31st, 1962, Washington, D. C. * 32nd, 1964, Denver, Colorado * 33rd, 1966, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma * 34th, 1968, Chicago, Illinois * 35th, 1970, Atlantic City, New Jersey * 36th, 1972, San Jose, California * 37th, 1974, Atlanta, Georgia * 38th, 1976, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania * 39th, 1978, Seattle, Washington * 40th, 1980, Washington, D. C. * 41st, 1982, Anchorage, Arkansas * 42nd, 1984, Norfolk, Virginia * 48th, 1986, Austin, Texas * 49th, 1988, Orlando, Florida * 50th, 1990, Cleveland, Ohio * 51st, 1992, Portland, Oregon


Notable affiliates

* California State Federation of Colored Women's Clubs * Empire State Federation of Women's Clubs * Indiana State Federation of Colored Women's Clubs * Iowa Federation of Colored Women's Clubs * Mississippi State Federation of Colored Women’s Clubs * Northeastern Federation of Colored Women's Clubs * Oklahoma Federation of Colored Women's Clubs * South Carolina Federation of Colored Women's Clubs * Texas Association of Women's Clubs


See also

* African-American women's suffrage movement *
Black feminism Black feminism is a philosophy that centers on the idea that "Black women are inherently valuable, that lack women'sliberation is a necessity not as an adjunct to somebody else's but because our need as human persons for autonomy." Race, gend ...
*
The First National Conference of the Colored Women of America The First National Conference of the Colored Women of America was a three-day conference in Boston organized by Josephine St. Pierre Ruffin, a civil rights leader and suffragist. In August 1895, representatives from 42 African-American women's cl ...


Further reading

*"The Women of NACWC: Strong, Valiant, Innovative and on Whose Shoulders We Stand" (c) 2012, revised 2016 by the National Association of Colored Women's Clubs, Inc. *"Lifting as They Climb" by MR Gates, David, Elizabeth Lindsay Davis


References


External links


NACWC website




National Park Service Teaching with Historic Places (TwHP) lesson plans
Encyclopedia of Arkansas History & Culture entry
{{DEFAULTSORT:National Association Of Colored Women African-American history of Washington, D.C. African-American women's organizations Dupont Circle Organizations based in Washington, D.C. Women's clubs in the United States Women in Washington, D.C. Women's organizations based in the United States