Draft:Washington State Federation of Colored Women's Club
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The Washington State Federation of Colored Women's Clubs (WSFCWC), established in 1917, was a pivotal organization dedicated to advocating for the rights and welfare of African American women in Washington State. Affiliated with the National Association of Colored Women's Clubs (NACWC), the WSFCWC focused on a range of social, educational, and civic initiatives to uplift Black communities.
Founding and Leadership
Nettie Craig Asberry, a distinguished African American musician and educator, played a crucial role in the formation of the WSFCWC. Influenced by the teachings of Booker T. Washington, she traveled across Washington State, encouraging Black communities to organize into clubs to voice their causes. In 1917, these efforts culminated in the creation of the WSFCWC, with Asberry serving as its president.
source: tacomacwc.org
Another prominent leader was Jennie Samuels, founder of the Nannie Burroughs Study Club in Everett. She was elected as the second president of the WSFCWC in 1921. During her tenure, Samuels prioritized the establishment of scholarships for children of color pursuing higher education and emphasized the importance of club work in advancing equal rights for African Americans.
source: historylink.org
Mission and Activities
The WSFCWC aimed to address both local and broader issues affecting African American communities. Members were organized into committees focusing on areas such as education, health, legislation, arts and crafts, homemaking, and mothers and children. Additionally, the federation placed special emphasis on studying interracial relations and African American history, topics of significant concern to Black women at the time.
source: historylink.org
Through its initiatives, the WSFCWC worked tirelessly to combat prejudice, poverty, and lack of education, striving to uplift African American communities across Washington State.
Further Reading
For a comprehensive understanding of the WSFCWC's impact and the broader African American women's club movement in Washington State, consider exploring the following sources:
- Lowe, Turkiya. The Washington State Federation of Colored Women's Clubs: Social Activism in Washington State's African American Women's Club Movement, 1917 to 1951. University of Washington, 2010. history.washington.edu
- "Jennie Samuels, president of the State Federation of Colored Women's Organizations, addresses the annual meeting in Everett in 1924." HistoryLink.org. historylink.org
- "Founders." Tacoma City Association of Colored Women's Clubs. tacomacwc.org