Northeastern Federation of Colored Women's Clubs facts for kids
The Northeastern Federation of Colored Women's Clubs (NFCWC) was an important group that brought together clubs for Black women in the northeastern United States. It worked with the National Association of Colored Women's Clubs (NACWC). The NFCWC was actually the very first organization of its kind for Black women's clubs in the United States, starting just a month before the NACWC. Their motto was "For God and Humanity," which shows their dedication to helping people.
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What Was the Northeastern Federation of Colored Women's Clubs?
The Northeastern Federation of Colored Women's Clubs (NFCWC) was a large organization that helped connect many smaller clubs for Black women. These clubs worked together to improve their communities and stand up for important causes.
How Did the NFCWC Start?
The NFCWC was founded by Mary H. Dickerson on June 3, 1896. At first, it was called the "New England Federation of Women's Clubs." This group was inspired by the idea of the National Association of Colored Women's Clubs (NACWC), which was forming around the same time.
Two years later, in 1898, the name was changed to the Northeastern Federation of Colored Women's Clubs (NFCWC). Mary H. Dickerson became its first president. The NFCWC initially joined the NACWC, but then left in 1899 because they disagreed about who should be chosen as leaders. However, they later rejoined and became one of the four main regional groups of the NACWC.
What Did the NFCWC Do?
The NFCWC held meetings every year. Representatives from local clubs in New England would attend these meetings. In the early 1900s, the NFCWC included 55 clubs from the northeastern part of the United States.
The organization was very active in fighting for fairness and equal rights.
- In 1904, the NFCWC asked President Theodore Roosevelt to take action against serious acts of violence and unfair treatment against African Americans.
- On August 12, 1904, after their yearly meeting, the group spoke out against violence and other forms of discrimination.
- In 1919, the NFCWC also asked President Woodrow Wilson to help stop widespread unrest and violence that affected African American communities in Chicago.
Where Was the NFCWC Located?
The NFCWC officially became a legal organization in New York on June 15, 1927. Their main office was set up in Newport, Rhode Island. This building was given to them by Louise M. Fayerweather on September 22, 1927.
