Presented by Asia Horne-Morton, Grand Rapids Historical Society, and Free Alchemy Studio

Black women’s social clubs were more than places of fellowship—they were engines of education, activism, and cultural leadership. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the club movement spread across the country under the motto “Lifting as We Climb,” as Black women organized to advance racial justice, literacy, civic engagement, and community self-determination.

This talk will explore the history of the Grand Rapids Study Club within the broader movement of Black women’s organizing in America. From book circles to civic campaigns, these clubs laid the groundwork for future generations of community builders, educators, and cultural workers. Together, we’ll trace their legacy and reflect on what it means for Grand Rapids today.