TAWC, 1923
*The Texas Association of Women's Clubs (TAWC) was established on this date in 1905. They are an umbrella organization of African American women's clubs in the state of Texas. It was first organized as the Texas Federation of Colored Women's Clubs. The group's purpose was to enable clubs to collaborate and enhance the social and moral well-being of people in Texas. The club also spoke on topics of interest to Black women in the United States.
History.
Mrs. M.E.Y. Moore founded the organization named Texas Federation of Colored Women's Clubs in Gainesville, Texas. Black women had been excluded from joining the Texas Federation of Women's Clubs. In 1906, they affiliated with the National Association of Colored Women's Clubs. In 1915, they formally endorsed women's suffrage. The TAWC began petitioning the state in 1918 to raise money for a home for delinquent Black girls, which later became the Crockett State School. The land for the school was purchased by the club in 1920. In 1922, the organization launched a fundraising drive for the school. Although the Texas Legislature authorized the school in 1927, funds were not appropriated until 1945.
By the 1930s, TAWC became more involved in supporting home and family life, as well as activism around Lynching (at the time) and voter suppression. TAWC participated in the Texas State Fair in 1948, creating a beauty contest during "Negro Achievement Days." The name was changed to the Texas Association of Women's Clubs (TAWC) in 1956. The organization remains active in Texas, continuing to promote the welfare and rights of women and children.
