Mary Church Terrell

HISTORY

Reinforcing our Commitment

The Southwest Region of the National Association of Colored Women's Clubs, Inc. was organized in Fort Worth, Texas, by Dr. Mary F. Waring in 1937.  The region included eight states, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Lousianna, New Meico, Oklahoma and Texas.  Colorado withdrew, in 1945 to join the Northwestern Region.  Hawaii, consisting of one club, joined the Southwest Region in 1977.  
Mrs. R. A. Ransom of Ft. Worth, Texas became the first elected president; however, she was unable to erve because of illness.  Mrs. Annie Cilliam, Vice President from Little Rock, Arkansas, succeeded her.  
Southwest Region Day is observed at each biennial convention.  One this day recognition is given to the region's accomphishments through speciation presentation at the awards banquet.  Among the awards are the A. E. S. Johnson Scholarship for a deserving student, the Genevieve M. Weaver Cup for the state whose program is evaluated most highly and the Irma Green Jackson Plaque for the S.W.R. women who has made the greatest contribution to her community and state.
Other past presidents of the Southwest Region are: Mrs. A. E. S. Johnson, Texas; Mrs. Genevieve M. Weaver, Oklahoma; Mrs. Mable V. Gray, California; Mrs. Edith Dunning, Arkansas; Mrs. Myrtle Ollison, Oklahoma; Mrs. N. Dillard, California; and Mrs. Blanche N. Johnson, Arizona; Mrs. Marguerite P. Williams of Little Rock, Arkansas, was elected president at the 21st Biennial in Fort Worth, Texas.  The current president, Mrs. Zenobia McMurrayof Albuquerque, New Mexico, was elected in 1983.
According to President Marguerite P. Williams, since the 42nd president and 84th Anniversary Convention in 1980 in Washington, D.C., the Southwest Region has held a successful Board of Directors workship in San Angelo, Texas-at which time we studied the region's business, procedure, programs and special projects for future projections and implementation.  The workshop resulted in a well organized Handbook that has been distributed to states and club members. 
The Southwest's 22nd Biennial Convention was held July 25-29, 1081 in Tuscon, Arizona.  The theme was "assessing the Projecting the Role of Club Women in 80's.  The program, which included addresses, demonstrations, exhibits, public relations with news and TV media and workshops received support form 200 or more delegates.  Program emphasis was placed on increasing member ship by approving a special campaign on "Membership Networking."
The 42nd Biennial Convention was held in Little Rock, Arkansas in July 1983.
Some of the Club Activities in the state include Observance of Founders Day and Black History Week Teas, Bake Sales, Scholarship fund Raising, Baskets at Thanksgiving and Christmas, Civic and Volunteer Work Cemetery Upkeep, Day Care Centers Welfare Work, History of Club with member biographies.  Student Loan Fund, special services to the elderly, needy handicapped, nursing homes, Boys and Girls Industrial Schools, Sickle Cell Anemia and the United Way, Participation in the NAACP, United Negro College Fund, Urban League, YWCA, PTA UNICEF, League of Women Voters, Public School Board, Council on Aging, and Black Women's Network.
Frequent workshop topics are: Arts and Crafts; Parenting; Mother, Home and Child; Family Relations; Health and Safety; Human Relations; Citizenship; Peace and Education; Legislation; Women In Industry; Communication; and Energy Conservation.
All state programs and local adult club programs have supported the supervisors and counselors of the girls clubs and young adult clubs.