California State Federation of Colored Women's Clubs facts for kids
California State Federation of Colored Women's Clubs meeting in Oakland, California in July 1915.
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| Formation | 1906 |
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| Founder | Eliza Warner |
| Founded at | Oakland, California, U.S. |
| Type | Woman's club |
The California State Federation of Colored Women's Clubs Inc. (CSACWC) was a special group of women formed in 1906. This club worked to improve the lives of African American women and children in California. It was part of a bigger movement where women joined together to help their communities.
History of the Club
How the Club Started
The California State Federation of Colored Women's Clubs began in 1906. Mrs. Eliza Warner started the club at the 15th Street A.M.E. Church in Oakland, California. Mrs. Warner was the very first president of this important organization.
In 1908, the CSACWC joined a larger group called the National Association of Colored Women's Clubs (NACWC). This connection helped them work with other similar clubs across the country.
What the Club Did
The club's motto was "Deeds Not Words." This meant they believed in taking action rather than just talking. Their main goal was to improve the well-being of African Americans. They wanted to provide helpful services to the African American community.
Over time, the CSACWC created many different ways to help. They worked on topics like International Peace and World Affairs. They also focused on Forestry and even Prison & Parole issues. In 1937, they added "Youth Affiliates" to include younger people in their efforts.
The CSACWC also set up district groups to manage local clubs. For example, the Northern District looked after clubs in the Bay Area of California.
Special Projects
In 1910, Bertha L. Turner from Pasadena helped create a special cookbook. It was called The Federation Cookbook: A Collection of Tested Recipes Compiled by the Colored Women of the State of California. This book helped save and celebrate black cooking traditions. Many recipes came from members of the National Federation of Colored Women.
In 1921, Irene Bell Ruggles was the president of the California State Federation of Colored Women's Clubs. She helped open the Madame C.J. Walker Home for Girls and Women in San Francisco. This home offered charity, community, and social services. It was especially for single African American women who were new to San Francisco. These women could not use other places like the YWCA at that time.
