South Carolina Federation of Colored Women's Clubs facts for kids
The South Carolina Federation of Colored Women's Clubs (SCFCWC) was an important group for African American women in South Carolina. It was started in 1909 by Marion Birnie Wilkinson, Sara B. Henderson, Lizella A. Jenkins Moorer, Celia Dial Saxon, and other women. They met at Sydney Park Church in Columbia. Their motto was "Lifting as We Climb," which came from the National Association of Colored Women's Clubs (NACWC). This motto meant they wanted to help others as they improved themselves.
Marion B. Wilkinson was the first president. She worked hard to make education and living conditions better for black people in South Carolina. The group grew a lot, reaching 2,500 members by 1922. One of their biggest achievements was creating the Wilkinson Home for Colored Girls in Cayce. This home first helped girls who needed guidance and later became a place for orphans.
What the SCFCWC Wanted to Achieve
From the very beginning, the SCFCWC had clear goals. They wanted to improve education for everyone. They also held a special meeting about education every year. A big part of their work was protecting women and children, both at home and at work. They also worked to gain more political rights and security for black people. Another important goal was to help different races understand each other better. Black women at that time knew it was important to work with white women to fight for equality. Even though white women involved often wanted to help, they still followed the common racial rules of the time.
Working for Equal Rights
During the 1940s, black women in South Carolina used the SCFCWC to push for important changes. They wanted teachers to get equal pay, no matter their race. They also fought for voting rights and full citizenship for all African Americans. The SCFCWC helped middle-class black women get support and worked to include African Americans more in politics.
Helping the Community
The SCFCWC also raised money for other groups and good causes. They organized food drives to help people who needed it. In 1960, the organization became part of United Way, which is a large charity group.
