GFWC Celebrates Black History Month
February 1, 2022
GFWC is encouraging its clubs to take time, especially in February, to learn more about the achievements and culture of African Americans for Black History Month. GFWC also supports March of Dimes, one of its Affiliate Organizations, in its work to improve the health of every family by eliminating barriers and challenges to improving access to health care.
The celebration that is Black History Month today first originated from Negro History Week in 1926. Carter G. Woodson, co-founder of the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, established a celebration to recognize the contributions of African Americans to U.S. history. It was observed during the second week of February to coincide with the birthdays of former U.S. President Abraham Lincoln and abolitionist Frederick Douglass, as both of these individuals played a role in ending slavery.
In 1976, Black History Month was officially recognized by President Gerald Ford “to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” It has since been recognized by every American president and in 1986 Congress passed a law designating February as “National Black History Month.”
Blog
January 10
Featured Member
Cherie Lee Williams
Cherie Lee Williams is a vibrant leader who has found GFWC to be a wonderful outlet for her love of community service and her can-do attitude. As both the President of the Mesquite Club (Nevada) for 2016-2017, as well as a 2016 LEADS candidate, she quickly learned the value of making connections in order to bring positive change to the world.
Success For Survivors Scholarship
Each year, GFWC awards scholarships to help intimate partner abuse survivors obtain a post-secondary education that offers a chance to reshape their future by securing employment and gaining personal independence.
Featured Club
GFWC Lawrence Classics Club
The GFWC Lawrence Classics Club (Kansas) has 19 members, and it’s an incredible mixture: one charter member has been involved since 1997; one member has been part of GFWC since 1960; there are a mother and daughter pair who are 2nd and 3rd generation clubwomen; four members are Boosters; and their youngest member only graduated from college last year. This assorted group shares the same values about volunteerism and puts them into action.