Black Women Empowered

Black Women Empowered. . Since the nineteenth century, Black women's groups have helped bring about social, educational, and political change throughout the country. , In Santa Monica, Black women embraced civil rights activism during California's Jim Crow era (1900s-1960s). They joined local clubs – including chapters of state and national organizations – and met informally at churches and other community places. They empowered themselves by buying property and pursuing independent careers. , Like African Americans throughout the state, Black women seeking employment in Santa Monica were denied better-paying jobs and were often limited to domestic servant and service work. To improve their economic status, some of these women struck out on their own, opening hair and beauty salons and other establishments that were sure to welcome African American customers. ,
[Sidebar] , Women's Day at Phillips Chapel (right) , African American women joined together for equity in health, employment, education, and the social welfare of their communities. They also assembled for camaraderie and fun, such as for this Women's Day celebration at Phillips Chapel CME Church in the 1950s. , Careers in Music , In this 1940s photograph, Bernice Stout Lawson (right) plays piano and organ duets with her friend Jennette Maxwell Reese. Both women were professional musicians. Lawson was also a music educator. , Moore Beauty Salon , In this 1930s photograph, Evelyn and Clarence Moore stand in front of her beauty salon on the 1700 block of 4th Street, where a sign in the window advertises Poro Hair + Scalp Treatment. , Caption (top photo): (Left to right) Unknown, Grace Blackman, Zenobia Orr, Lillie Jefferson, Vera Copeland, Jessie Stewart, Clarissa Washington, unknown, Ms. Goolesby, Turrie Turner, Frankie Russell, Lois Jones, Lillie Mae Brown and Waron Railey/Frankie Russell Collection