Empire State Federation of Women's Clubs facts for kids
The Empire State Federation of Women's Clubs (ESFWC) is an important group for African-American women's clubs in New York. It started in 1908. This organization worked to make life better for young women. They also helped care for the famous Harriet Tubman until she passed away in 1913. The ESFWC was connected to other big groups like the National Association of Colored Women's Clubs and the NAACP.
How the ESFWC Began and Made a Difference
The Empire State Federation of Women's Clubs (ESFWC) was founded by Alice Wiley Seay. She started the group in Brooklyn in August 1908. Their very first big meeting happened in July 1909. It took place at the Bethel A.M.E. Church in New York City.
The ESFWC has created special funds to help with education. These are called educational endowments. In 1933, they formed a group just for black girls. It was called the Empire State Association of Youth Clubs.
The organization also helped Harriet Tubman. She was living in poverty at the Tubman Home. The ESFWC made sure she had money for her care as she got older. They sent Tubman $25 each month for her needs. This money added to the $20 a month she received as a pension. Tubman's total monthly costs were about $40.
The club has continued to honor Harriet Tubman's memory. In 1915, the group created a monument at Tubman's grave. Mrs. Jackson Stewart designed this special monument. In 1974, the ESFWC honored Tubman again at their yearly meeting. More than 300 women at the meeting visited the Tubman home.
Important Leaders
- Mary Frances Gunner (served as president)
- Frances Reynolds Keyser (served as president)
- Maria Perkins Lawton (served as president from 1916 to 1926)
