Northeastern Federation of Colored Women's Clubs facts for kids
The Northeastern Federation of Colored Women's Clubs (NFCWC) was an important group for Black women's clubs in the northeastern United States. Think of it like a big team that brought together many smaller clubs. It was connected to the National Association of Colored Women's Clubs (NACWC), which was another large group for Black women. The NFCWC was actually the very first "umbrella" organization for Black women's clubs in the U.S., starting even before the NACWC. Their motto was "For God and Humanity," showing their dedication to helping people.
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What Was the Northeastern Federation of Colored Women's Clubs?
Mary H. Dickerson started this organization on June 3, 1896. It was first called the "New England Federation of Women's Clubs." The idea came from the National Association of Colored Women's Clubs (NACWC). Two years later, in 1898, the name changed to the Northeastern Federation of Colored Women's Clubs (NFCWC). Mary Dickerson became its first president.
In 1899, the NFCWC briefly left the NACWC. They had disagreements about who should lead the larger group. The NFCWC felt their choices were not being represented well. However, they later rejoined the NACWC. The NFCWC became one of four main regional groups within the NACWC.
The NFCWC held meetings every year. Representatives from local clubs in New England attended these meetings. In the early 1900s, the NFCWC included 55 clubs. These clubs were from the northeastern part of the United States.
How Did the NFCWC Fight for Justice?
In 1904, the NFCWC asked President Theodore Roosevelt for help. They urged him to take action against violence and unfair treatment, especially against Black Americans. On August 12, 1904, after their yearly meeting, the group spoke out against such injustices.
The NFCWC also appealed to President Woodrow Wilson in 1919. They asked him to help stop the widespread violence and unrest that affected Black communities, like the events in Chicago.
Where Was the NFCWC Based?
The organization officially became a corporation 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.
External Links
- Official site: https://nefederationofcoloredwomen.wordpress.com/
- Echoes from the Annual Convention of Northeast Federation of Colored Women's Clubs by Pauline Hopkins, 1903.
