Description
Book Synopsis: The middle class black women who people Judith Weisenfeld's history were committed both to social action and to institutional expression of their religious convictions. Their story provides an illuminating perspective on the varied forces working to improve quality of life for African Americans in crucial times. When undertaking to help young women migrating to and living alone in New York, Weisenfeld's protagonists chose to work within a national evangelical institution. Their organization of a black chapter of the Young Women's Christian Association in 1905 was a clear step toward establishing a suitable environment for young working women; it was also an expression of their philosophy of social uplift. And predictably it was the beginning of an equal rights struggle--to work as equals with white women activists. Growing and adapting as New York's black community evolved over the decades, the black YWCA assumed a central role both in the community's religious life and as a training ground for social action. Weisenfeld's analysis of the setbacks and successes closes with the National YWCA's vote in 1946 to adopt an interracial charter and move toward integration of local chapters, thus opening the door to a different set of challenges for a new generation of black activists. Weisenfeld's account gives a vibrant picture of African American women as significant actors in the life of the city. And it bears telling witness to the religious, class, gender, and racial negotiations so often involved in American social reform movements.
Details
Discover the untold story of African American women and their contributions to Christian activism in New York City with "African American Women and Christian Activism: New York’s Black YWCA, 1905-1945". Dive into the captivating history of middle-class black women who dedicated themselves to social action and the expression of their religious convictions, shaping the lives of African Americans during crucial times.
When faced with the challenge of supporting young, independent women who migrated to New York, our protagonists chose to join forces with a national evangelical institution—the Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA). By establishing a black chapter in 1905, they laid the foundation for a suitable environment for young working women and showcased their philosophy of social uplift. This pivotal decision also marked the beginning of an equal rights struggle—to work side by side with white women activists on an equal footing.
As New York's black community evolved, so did the black YWCA. The organization grew, adapted, and developed into a central hub for religious life and training for social action. Its impact reached far beyond the immediate community, influencing the lives of countless African American women throughout the city. The setbacks and successes encountered along the way culminated in a groundbreaking moment in 1946, when the National YWCA adopted an interracial charter, setting the stage for integration of local chapters and presenting a fresh set of challenges for a new generation of black activists.
"African American Women and Christian Activism" by Judith Weisenfeld not only serves as a vibrant and inspiring portrait of African American women, but also sheds light on the intricate negotiations of religion, class, gender, and race prevalent in American social reform movements. Don't miss your opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of this pivotal chapter in history.
Discover More Best Sellers in Africa
Shop Africa
My Traitor's Heart: A South African Exile Returns to Face His Country, His Tribe, and His Conscience
$10.29
Africa - My Traitor's Heart: A South African Exile Returns to Face His Country, His Tribe, and His Conscience
Long Walk to Freedom: The Autobiography of Nelson Mandela
$8.95
Africa - Long Walk to Freedom: The Autobiography of Nelson Mandela
We Wish to Inform You That Tomorrow We Will be Killed With Our Families: Stories from Rwanda
$10.99
Africa - We Wish to Inform You That Tomorrow We Will be Killed With Our Families: Stories from Rwanda
Imperial Bedlam (Medicine and Society) (Volume 10)
$3.56
Africa - Imperial Bedlam (Medicine and Society) (Volume 10)
A Thousand Miles up the Nile With Upwards of Seventy Illustrations Engraved on Wood
$38.45
Africa - A Thousand Miles up the Nile With Upwards of Seventy Illustrations Engraved on Wood
Valentine Infantry Tank vs Panzer III: North Africa 1941–43 (Duel, 132)
$23.00
Africa - Valentine Infantry Tank vs Panzer III: North Africa 1941–43 (Duel, 132)
$33.88
Africa - The Walking Qur'an: Islamic Education, Embodied Knowledge, and History in West Africa (Islamic Civilization and Muslim Networks)
$9.99
Africa - African Coloring Book for Adults and Kids Midnight Edition: Traditional African American Heritage & Culture Inspired Art and Designs to Relieve Stress ... Pages (Black is Beautiful Activity Books)
