*This date in 1930 marks the first meeting of The Northeasterners Inc., a Black women’s social club that started in Harlem, NYC, and still exists today.
Agatha Scott Davis brainstormed the idea and founded the organization; she was the wife of Black Brigadier General Benjamin O. Davis, Jr. After Reconstruction, she was impressed with young Black debutantes she met while traveling; she wanted them to network with one another. They all seemed to have similar interests and backgrounds, and organizing such talents seemed natural. The initiative gained momentum, and several young Black women from various Northeastern states came together. Initially, the name was the Gay Northeasterners. The organization voted to change its name in 1979.
The Northeasterners Inc. aims to maintain social connections, stay informed about cultural trends, and contribute to the community. Club records indicate that various projects were organized to support societal and educational causes. These include an annual scholarship to Howard University, gifts to the Infantile Paralysis Library Project at Tuskegee Institute, contributions to the NAACP, the Urban League, the United Negro College Fund, and the American Cancer Society, and others. Over the years, the group's membership has expanded, with the addition of new chapters.
The present organization is national in scope and has a national constitution. The chapters meet at an annual National Conclave held in different locations. The organization continues to grow in the tradition of other African American social organizations, such as sororities and fraternities. It encourages young women to join and strive for a standard of excellence, as well as a commitment to community service.
