Organizing for Success

For centuries, African Americans have formed associations for mutual benefit and advancement. While many Black organizations emerged in response to segregation, these organizations performed their own vital work within the community, allowing African Americans to develop leadership skills, pool resources, and cultivate a sense of belonging and pride. As African Americans braided together the strands of family, community, and civic outreach, they built powerful networks that would one day be utilized for profound social change.

True liberation can be acquired and maintained only when the Negro people possess power; and power is the product and flower of organization.

A. Philip Randolph

If we must have justice, we must be strong; if we must be strong, we must come together.

Marcus Garvey

It is time for us to begin to work on the problems of the world together.

Dorothy Height

Etta Moten Barnett

Musical artist and activist Etta Moten Barnett used her membership in Black women’s organizations as a vehicle for sisterhood, community service, and global activism. She performed fundraising recitals for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and represented The Links, Inc., at United Nations conferences.