The evening times., 1896-07-16
THE FIRST MEETING.

THE FIRST MEETING.
A call was issued for meeting of repre-
sentative colured women in Boston last
July and a tthis congress the Federation
was organized. The objects Of the body, as
set forth in the constitution are:
THE concentration of the dormant
energies of the women of the Afro-American
race in one broad bando sisterhood; or the
purpose Of establishing needed reforms,
and the practical encouragement OF all
efforts being put forth by various agencies,
religious, educational, ethical a nj o therwise,
for ilIe upbuildng, ennobling and advance
ment Of the race; 10 awaken the women of
the race 10 the great need uf systematic
effort in home making and the divinely i'm
posed duties Of motherhood"
The circumstances under which the first
club was organized and which led up TO
the conception OF the Federation idea are
described by Mrs. Washington, who is.
now visiting her friend, Mrs. Jesse Lawson,
wife of Lawyer Lawson, No. 20l1 Vermont
avenue, as follows:
In the spring OF 1892 the first Negro
Conference of Farmers was held at Tus-
kegce, Ala. The purpose OF this conference
people to secure homes Of their own, TO
aim after better ways of living, TO insist
upon better educational advantages an
extension of their school term, and so raise
the standard of living morally, physically,
intellectually and financially.
"Sitting III that meeting OF negro farm
ers, hearing the resolution which stood us
the platform OF the conference, ! felt that,
as in the day OF Lucretia Mott, and the
early struggle of Elizabeth Cady Stanton
and Susan b. Anthony, women were not
included IN the word people, and not with
standing the fact that there were many
women present at that conference, they
had no actual part in it, and they did not
realize that they could help the world to
be better.
REACHING THE WOMEN.
This thought would not be stilled. What
can these poor farmers do with new hopes,
the new ideas for better things, unless the
women whom they have left at home aud TO
whom they must return are equallyinspired
and educated?
How to reach and help these women
was a difficult question, but after many
sleepless nights and weary days OF long
ing and praying it finally came. The
thought struck me that the village l was
in would be good place in which to be-
gin the work. The countrywomen, tired of
the monotony OF their existence, came into
the village every Saturday in crowds.
Why might they not be brought together
for an hour or more each Saturday morn
ing and instructed.
Like flash the idea was caught up
and was not let go until place was Sc
cured. Our first conference was held in
the upper story OF very dilapidated
store which stands on the main street of
the village. The stairs leading to the
room were SO rickety that we were often
afraid to ascend them.
"That first meeting 1 can never forget
There were six women present, and each
one as she looked at me seemed to say:
Where is it?' We talked it all over, and
there was thus begun the first Women's
Conference. which body now numbers 229
mem bers.
1--WE have large, roomy hall on the main
street, where we come together each Sat-
urda =, and spend two hours talking of the
things which go to make better and
brighter lives among women and children.
Women come long distances on foot to these
meetings.
"They brought along their little girls,
that they could not leave at home, and here
was another question: What to do with their
children?' A plan was hit upon, and an
other room was hired, and these girls, now.
fifty in number, are taught simple lessons
and at the same time receive little prac-
ticaltalks on behavior at home in the streets,
and else where.
BEARING GOOD FRUIT.
1--WE also have little library for them,
and each one is allowed TO draw the books
she wants, to keep for two weeks or longer.
We also have picture books on the table for
the younger children. We are now trying
10 get games for these children. and pictures
for the walls of their room. A friend gives
us two hours Of her time on Saturday for
these children, and it delights ones heart
TO see the improvement in the children in
all directions.
"Itis often said by the villagers that there