During the later part of the 19th Century and the beginning of the 20th black women in Oakland established clubs and institutions to address the growing demands of the black community.
I will highlight some of them here.
Fanny Jackson Coppin Club
The Fanny Jackson Coppin Club was founded in 1899 by members of the Beth Eden Baptist Church.
“Not failure, but low aim is the crime.“
Motto
The club was named in honor of Fannie Jackson Coppin (1837-1913) who was born a slave in Washington, D.C. and became a renowned educator
The Fannie Jackson Coppin Club is known as the “mother club” of the African American women’s club movement in California.
At first, the club’s priority was to provide African American travelers who could not stay at segregated hotels welcoming places to spend a night.
The club was involved with the creation of the Home for the Aged and Infirm Colored People in Oakland, to provide care for elderly African Americans in the state of California.
Art and Industrial Club
In 1906, a branch of the Art and Industrial Club was formed and devoted itself to the arts and to “uplift of the race.”
Deeds Not Words”
Motto
Mother’s Charity Club
Founded in 1907
Lift as We Climb”
Motto
The Mother’s Charity Club was founded in 1907. They were dedicated to philanthropic endeavors. During its earliest years of activity, the Mother’s Charity Club fed and cared for many children and sick and needy persons.
Elmhurst Progressive Club
The Elmhurst Progressive Club was founded in 1912.
Progressive
Motto
Imperial Art and Literary Club
The Imperial Art and Literary of Oakland was founded in 1912. They provided charity and promoted art and literary work.
Love and Truth“
Motto
Self Improvement Club
Self Improvement Club of Oakland was founded in 1916. Their goal was to improve humanity and the surrounding communities.
He who is true to God, is true to Man”
Rhododendron Self Cultured Club of Oakland
The Rhododendron Club was formed in the early 1950s
Like Ivy we Climb–Lifting as we Climb
Rhododendron Club fashion show contestants posing at Slim Jenkins
Fidelis Art and Culture Business Women’s Club of Oakland
The Art Social Club of Oakland
Royal 10 Society Club of Oakland
I only found this photo. I will update if I find more.
Undated
African American Museum
Linden Street YWCA
In 1920, a group of African American clubwomen formed The Linden Street branch of the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA).
They provided religious training, counseling services, vocational training, art classes, adult education classes, and all types of cultural events.
Located at 828 Linden Street, the branch was housed in a two-story building with four club rooms.
By 1938, the Linden Street “Y” had a membership of over 750.
In 1944 following a new national policy, the board of directors of the central Oakland YWCA integrated the Linden Street YWCA.
“to make its program available to all women and girls irrespective of race, creed, or color.“
It was renamed the West Oakland Center of the YWCA. The two-story building was razed in the early 1960s
More Info:
- We Did What We Had to Do: Black Women and The Struggle for Civil Rights in Oakland California 1900-1920
- Remembering the Linden Street YWCA – OHA -Vol.33, No.3 Winter 2013
- YWCA – Linden Street Y Collection – African American Museum & Library Oakland
- Mother’s Charity Club 1959-60 – Program
- Fannie Jackson Coppin Club – BlackPast
- Fannie Jackson Coppin – Blackamericaweb
- Fannie Jackson Coppin Club – Yearbook 1954-55
- Woman’s Art & Industrial Club 1922 – African American Museum
- Women’s Art and Industrial Club Fashion Show – 1979 – African American Museum
- Origin of the Rhododendron Club – African American Museum
I will add to this if I find more.
