#rosa gragg

Founded in 1896, the National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs merged multiple organizations, large and small, into one association whose common goals were to support racial and gender equality.⁣

The NACWC continued their work well into JFK’s administration, including advocating that Frederick Douglass’s home be made into a National Park. The organization’s president Dr. Rosa Gragg wrote to Ken O’Donnell, Special Assistant to the President in early 1962 with their request.

JFKWHSFHW-005-005-p0008 Letter from Dr. Rosa Gragg to Kenneth O’Donnell

In 1962, JFK signed a bill doing just that, and members of the club, including their president Dr. Rosa Gragg, were present at the singing.

AR7448-C. President John F. Kennedy Designates Frederick Douglass Home Part of National Park System

A month before that, they gifted President Kennedy a portrait of President Lincoln that hung in Douglass’ house. This would be the first time that a US president accepted a gift from a Black organization.⁣

ST-336-2-62. President John F. Kennedy with Members of the National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs