The purpose of the BWC is to define barriers preventing Black Women from fully participating in the mainstream of society and to set forth a course of action directing their efforts,  resources, and talents toward the removal of these barriers.  

The Black American woman's social, political, and cultural background differs greatly from that of other women; consequently, we view the world differently and have different priorities and experiences.  It is doubtful that anyone else can or should speak for us and our communities.  

We assume the responsibility for our interpretation of the Black Women's mission,  believing that it is only based on sound, and historically correct analysis that we may organize effectively around our specific experiences as Black Women and press forward not only for ourselves but for our children, families and our communities. 

The Tacoma Chapter of the Black Women’s Caucus has continually struggled to keep the original purpose of the statewide group in focus. Since 1979, the Caucus has been active in presenting cultural events that are important to the history of African Americans. 

We have planned educational activities and/or support community events around these holidays:  

• Juneteenth-  Juneteenth, or “Freedom Day” is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. This holiday is considered the “longest-running African-American holiday” and has been called “America's second Independence Day.” It was on June 19, 1865, that Union soldiers, led by Maj.

• Kwanzaa is a time for families and communities to come together to remember the past and to celebrate African-American culture. Created in 1966 by Maulana Ron Karenga, Kwanzaa is an African-American and Pan-African holiday that celebrates history, values, family, community, and culture.

• Festival Sundiata, Seattle Center Festál presents Festival Sundiata presents Black Arts Fest in partnership with Sundiata African American Cultural Association (SAACA). The festival focuses on intergenerational activities and the promotion of traditional and contemporary African-American heritage, showcasing local entertainment, photography, food merchants, historical exhibits, and more!

• Women's History Month ( we highlight Black Women throughout history)

•  Old-Fashioned Barbecue (during the summer months)

•  Kemet (Ancient Africa – Egypt) celebrations are presented to the community as examples of cultural events that are important to the African experience. 

For years in June, the Caucus presented a luncheon with themes relevant to our community.

The Tacoma Chapter is presently the only active chapter of the Caucus in the State. We continued to work to break the same barriers that prevented us from fully participating in mainstream society. 

The Tacoma Chapter meets on the first Saturday of the month at 10:30 AM. (on Zoom). 

• We continue to be vigilant in protecting gains attained which are constantly assaulted by those determined to keep barriers in place. We continue to be on the frontline fighting for important key issues that affect women. Impacting Boards and Commissions with the Appointments of Black Women. 

• We continue to support & encourage politicians who are assisting us in breaking down barriers. 

• We welcome new members interested in continuing the work and bringing in new ideas to help us grow.

• We support Black-owned women's businesses and recognize Black Women throughout the state who have contributed to their communities 

• We establish State and National Networks with similar organizations  

Website: Black Women Caucus-Tacoma Facebook.com/BlackWomensCaucusWA Mailing Address: 13816 110th Avenue Ct E Puyallup, WA 98374.

Chapter Current Officers 2024:  

President – Chana Lawson                         Vice President –  Susan Alexander  

Recording Secretary –Vacant                      Treasurer – Erma Dawson 

Corresponding Secretary – Brenda Moore  Parliamentarian – Vacant 

Nominating Chair – Brenda Moore              Chaplain – Sherrilla Bivens

Executive Members at Large – Wilma Muse & Hattie Crisp

Reflecting on the LWV and Women of Color—Past and Future

by Loretta Seppanen, LWV Thurston County

This year, members of the LWV Thurston County hosted a session at the LWVWA Council. The session centered around a recording of a reader's theater performance of LWV Thurston's Untold Story Project and a facilitated discussion about the performance and the project's focus.

All of the participants affirmed the value of talking openly about the League's history.

The Thurston League created the script for the Untold Story Project performance from the speech and commentary in the book The Untold Story of Women of Color in the League of Women Voters by Dr. Carolyn Jefferson-Jenkins—who served as the 15th President of LWVUS and Chair of the LWVUS Education Fund. The Untold Story Project brought to the stage the history of the League of Women Voters' systematic disregard for concerns of women of color.

The performance featured a narrator and a reader who weaved together six decades of US history with the words from Jefferson-Jenkins' book. Additional performers added the voices of Black and White women activists—including, suffrage campaigners Josephine St. Pierrer Ruffin and Belle Kearney; past League presidents Percy Maxim Lee and Ruth Philips; and contemporary Black activists Gloria Marquez and Marian Wright Edleman. The perspective of women of color in the League by mid-20th century media was presented by a male reader who joined the eight women performing on stage.

After the presentation of the Untold Story Project performance at the 2024 LWVWA Council, a thoughtful and forward-looking discussion was had. Some of the White participants expressed chagrin at the portions of League history covered in the project, and some of the participants of color share their uncertainties about the benefits of participation in the League. All of the participants affirmed the value of talking openly about the League's history. As one participant said, "We cannot undo the past. And if we do not study and acknowledge that past, we are destined to repeat it."

Participants also shared ways local Leagues had successfully connected with people of color, or how they could better connect with them, while recognizing a common commitment to civic education and voter participation. A prevalent theme was that local Leagues can weave their own activities with the work of local groups already representing communities of color. This collaboration strengthens the actions of the League as well as other groups. Local Latino coalitions, various Asian and Pacific Islander organizations, organizations for immigrants, tribal nations, and the Urban League and NAACP Chapters were some of the groups brought up who are actively doing work in the same areas as the League.

The Untold Story Project began a year ago, as members of LWV Thurston's Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice Committee began to envision the project. Their work started by shaping a 20-minute script from Jefferson-Jenkins' book. The group also recognized that, while the Thurston League does have members of color, we needed to reach outside of our membership to really put the voice and vision of women of color at the front and center of this project. I feel privileged to have worked with sixteen other community members on this project—which includes the cast, the script writing group, and those who worked behind the scenes. The team included ten people of color, a majority of those involved with the project.

As a White woman, I volunteered to read one of the script's three White speakers. The other cast members were Michelle Gipson (our narrator), Kyrian MacMichael (our reader), Tanya Smith-Brice, Annie Cubberly, Charles Holloway, Brenda Paull, Sholanda Akins, and Jan Holloway. We especially appreciated Dawn Young's stage directing (Standing Room Only Theater in Yelm) and Lisa Sandall's visuals reflecting the League's history. LWV Thurston Board Member Nicole Miller facilitated the discussion at the live reader's theater production in February and at the Council session. I also appreciate the increased connection I feel to the diverse community where I live because of the opportunity to participate in this League activity.

BWC & Community Supporters meeting to restore a library in the Hilltop area

Hilltop Library Planning Committee meeting:

Hilltop Library Planning Committee meets on the 3rd Thursday of every month from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM

Every month on the Third Thursday

Please click the link below to join tonight's meeting at 6 pm.  

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86285303937?pwd=cU1OL0VzazNxSUlJNUprQUFXR2dnQT09

Meeting ID 819 6034 2310.