African Dorcas Association

rdf:langString African Dorcas Association

rdf:langString The African Dorcas Association was a black women's community aid society founded in New York City in January 1828. The women of this group sewed clothes for New York's black children so that they would have appropriate attire for school. They were also one of the first societies where "women met independently and without the supervision of men." Through this work, the members of the African Dorcas Association hoped to make education more accessible for black youth in New York City. After just one year, this organization distributed 168 articles of clothing to school children. They became a prominent contributor to encourage young Black children to attend schools. New Yorkers surrounding the organization did not find it appropriate for black women to be educated or involved in societal issues in this way, yet, despite the opposition, the African Dorcas Association thrived. The society remained in operation into the 1830s.