Organizing for Success | National Museum of African American History & Culture.
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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.

Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters Booklet, 1950

Transit Pass, 1944

Annual Elks Parade in Pittsburgh, August 31, 1943

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

Featured Story

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.

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Black and white photograph of Etta Moten Barnett and another woman examining a large map of Africa hanging on the wall. Wearing a long sleeved white blouse with a brooch at the neckline and a grey straight skirt, Etta Moten Barnett stands to the side of the map and points to the country of Liberia with her right arm outstretched. The woman standing next to her wears a light grey dress with double breasted black button up the front and a black belt.

Resources

Organizing for Success

Daughters of I.B.P.O.E. of W. member badge. At the top is a rectangular gold-colored metal bar with a pin back.

NMAAHC Collection Search

Organizations

Search the Museum’s online collection for items related to African American organizations

Screenshot of Prince Hall Research Guide

Prince Hall Freemasonry: A Resources Guide

Library of Congress

The Library of Congress provides a guide to the numerous materials in its holdings related to Prince Hall Masons, including manuscripts, photographs, and books

Screenshot of Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture

Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters Collection

Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, New York Public Library

The Schomburg Center holds materials reflecting the activities of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters (1939–1987), the union founded by A. Philip Randolph

Jackson Ward Walking Tour Podcast screenshot

Jackson Ward Walking Tour Podcast

Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site

Explore the historic Jackson Ward neighborhood in Richmond, Virginia, a nationally important center of African American cultural and economic activity during the early 20th century