To cultivate peace, harmony and happiness among citizens irrespective of race, color or creed such that all people may enjoy a higher standard of living for peace and contentment for ourselves and all future generations.
To cooperate with state and national agencies with similar interests in promoting the social, cultural and economic welfare of residents of the Lansing Community.
To provide a clubhouse for meetings and activities to promote the social, cultural and economic welfare of residents of Lansing, Michigan.
To provide a clubhouse for other organizations of the greater Lansing Area to meet and coordinate their activities.
The Lansing Association of Women’s Clubs (originally known as the Lansing Association of Colored Women’s Clubs) is in danger of losing its historical clubhouse located at 301 N. Butler. During the pandemic, the Clubhouse lost its tax exempt status and now owes over $20,000 in property taxes. Efforts to regain its status have currently failed.
In an effort to raise the necessary funds, the Club has started a GoFundMe page at https://gofundme/e14ed35c Donations can also be sent directly to the Clubhouse at 301. North Butler, Lansing 48933
Established in 1945, the Women’s Club was originally located on the corner of Williams and Logan (now Martin Luther King Jr), the Clubhouse was moved to its current location in 1969 when Oldsmobile purchased the building for its expansion. The Clubhouse was placed on the Register of State Historical Places by the Michigan Historical Commission.
Once the property taxes are paid, the Clubhouse will undergo a renovation program to provide a disabled entrance, upgrade bathrooms and repair and paint windows. This will be followed by new programing which may include a senior center, and computer and birthing classes.
Ms. Linda Williams, the current president is excited about the fund-raising campaign and the future of the Women’s Club. “It’s important that Lansing not lose this Black historical site, and I’m excited about the fundraising efforts and the new programing we will be able to provide.”
The Lansing Association of Women’s Clubs (LAWC) became a reality through the efforts of Dr. Rose T. Brunson, Mrs. Getrude Lee and Mrs. Ina B. Majors. A community survey conducted by these women in the early forties established the need for a nursery in the city of Lansing.
These courageous women, all members of the United Mother’s Club sought means to finance and house the nursery project through the Landon Fund, a financial aid plan of World War II. However, the war ended, and the funds were discontinued. Subsequently, Dr. Brunson approached the late R. E. Olds while Mrs. Lee, Mrs. Majors, Mrs. Hazel Robinson and others canvassed the city for individuals and organizations.
Mr. Olds made a contribution of three or four thousand dollars for a down payment and reconditioning of a house with a store annex at the corner of Logan and Williams Streets. The purchase contract became a reality in January 1945.
A mass membership drive was climaxed at Hillsdale (now Union) Baptist Church in July 1945. Mr. Olds stated that he had given a clubhouse to the white women of Lansing and was now contributing to a clubhouse for minority women. The clubhouse was designated for all minority women of the city and to be used for projects approved by the officers and the Board of Directors with a stipulation that the clubhouse could not be sold and would revert back to the State of Michigan is used for anything other than a clubhouse.
In 1969, Oldsmobile purchased the clubhouse for expansion, and the present location at 301 N. Butler was purchased. During its 39th year, the clubhouse was designated as a historical site (the Ulysses D. Ward House) and was listed on the State Register of Historic Places by the Michigan Historical Commission.
