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 started in 1909. This large organization brought together many smaller women's clubs. It was founded by Marion Birnie Wilkinson, Sara B. Henderson, Lizella A. Jenkins Moorer, Celia Dial Saxon, and other women. They first met at Sydney Park Church in Columbia.
The SCFCWC chose the same motto as the National Association of Colored Women's Clubs (NACWC): "Lifting as We Climb." This motto meant they wanted to help their communities and improve life for everyone. Marion Birnie Wilkinson was the first president. She worked hard to make education and living conditions better for Black people in South Carolina. By 1922, the group had grown to include 2,500 members!
One of the biggest things the SCFCWC did was create the Wilkinson Home for Colored Girls in Cayce. This home first helped girls who needed extra support or guidance. Later, it also became a home for children who had lost their parents.
What the SCFCWC Wanted to Do
From the very start, the SCFCWC had clear goals. They wanted to:
- Make education better for everyone.
- Hold a special meeting about education every year.
- Keep women and children safe at home and at work.
- Help Black people gain more political rights and security.
- Encourage understanding between different racial groups.
Black women at this time knew it was important to work with white women to fight for equality. Some white women who joined the SCFCWC were dedicated to helping African Americans. However, they still often followed the common racial rules of the time.
Working for Change
During the 1940s, Black women in South Carolina used the SCFCWC to push for important changes. They worked for:
- Equal pay for teachers, so Black teachers would earn the same as white teachers.
- Voting rights, so all Black citizens could vote freely.
- Full citizenship, meaning all Black people would have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else.
- Support for middle-class Black women in their communities.
The SCFCWC played a big part in helping African Americans get involved in politics and have their voices heard.
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, a large group that helps communities. This showed how important and helpful the SCFCWC was in South Carolina.
