[1] Black women organized voter registration drives, public lectures, and events featuring well-known activist leaders to educate communities on important political issues.
[1] These clubs played important roles both locally and nationally in improving interracial relations and promoting civic engagement and uplift within African American communities.
There were three pillars of community building in early Black Portland: women’s social clubs, newspapers and civic organizations.
Their goal was “spreading equal suffrage ideas among those of the race.” Katherine Gray was the first president, Mrs. Lancaster was vice president, Edith Gray was treasurer, and Hattie Redmond was secretary.
They focused on charitable and educational work, awarded a Katherine Gray Scholarship and Women of the Year and Family of the Year awards, and supported local federated girls' clubs.