In July 2025, I attended my very first Central Region Association of Colored Women’s Clubs (CRACWC) Biennial Convention in Hamilton, Ohio — just north of Cincinnati. Walking into a space filled with generations of Black women dressed in purple and white, I immediately knew I was part of something powerful.
This convention wasn’t just a weekend getaway — it was a turning point. A divine reminder that I’m part of a legacy that stretches back over a century. And I’m honored to carry it forward.
A Legacy of Lifting As We Climb
The National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs (NACWC) was founded in 1896 by visionary leaders like Mary Church Terrell, Ida B. Wells-Barnett, and Frances Harper. With the motto “Lifting As We Climb,” the organization has always prioritized education, civil rights, community service, and social uplift.
What I didn’t know before attending the convention is that CRACWC — our Central Region — will celebrate its 100th anniversary this year. Founded in 1925 in Chicago, it includes 12 states: Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Missouri, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Kansas, West Virginia, and Kentucky. Its theme? “Enliven Our Existence – Getting in Good Trouble.”
And let me tell you — we’re doing just that.
From Planning Sessions to Purpose
The three-day schedule was full — bylaws, finances, self-care, and organizing for the future. We talked strategy and structure, while still making time for sisterhood. I especially loved seeing the young adult chapters represented — college-aged women leading with intention and brilliance.
One major realization? We need a better understanding of Robert’s Rules of Order at the local level. Clear, respectful dialogue and process matter if we want our meetings — and our mission — to move forward.
I also made a suggestion for the 2027 convention: give each state an opportunity to share what they’ve accomplished, who they’ve served, how much they’ve raised, and how they’re making impact locally. We need to celebrate our work and learn from each other. Our regional president agreed and called for a new Awards Committee. I didn’t hesitate — I happily volunteered to lead it.
Three Generations of Horton Women
This trip meant even more because I shared it with my mom, the current president of the Tawasi Federated Women’s Club of Des Moines. My grandmother, Thelma B. Horton, was a Tawasi member in the 1970s and 1980s. That makes us three generations deep in this work.
It was one of the first times my mom and I traveled without my dad, and I found myself shifting into caretaker mode — checking on her, making sure she was hydrated, rested, and feeling okay. Even though she did say I snore like a grown man (which… I do), it was a beautiful bonding experience.
The Importance of Organizing — Together
Attending this convention confirmed something I’ve always believed: we must organize locally, but we must also collaborate collectively. Growing Tawasi is important, but so is uniting with organizations already embedded in our city and sharing our mission.
That’s why I’m excited to build intentional relationships with:
Divine Nine (D9) Organizations
- Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. – Founded 1906
- Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. – Founded 1908
- Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. – Founded 1911
- Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. – Founded 1911
- Mu Omicron Chapter (Des Moines) – Chartered Spring 1947
- Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. – Founded 1913
- Phi Chapter (Drake University) – Chartered December 29, 1923
- Des Moines Alumnae Chapter – Chartered July 1, 1981
- Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. – Founded 1914
- Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. – Founded 1920
- Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. – Founded 1922
- Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. – Founded 1963
These organizations are active in Des Moines through campus-based and alumnae/alumni chapters, especially at Drake University and Iowa State.
NAACP – Founded 1909
The Des Moines branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) has been a cornerstone of civil rights, advocacy, and social justice in our city since 1915.
Additional Community Partners
I also want to intentionally partner with:
- Organizations serving LGBTQIA+ communities
- Groups supporting Black maternal and child health
- Mental health initiatives for Black men, women, and children
- Education-focused programs that uplift youth and young adults
We may come at this work from different angles, but our goals are rooted in the same vision: thriving, liberated Black communities. Together, we are stronger.
Answering the Call
Before this convention, I used to joke that my mom voluntold me into this organization. But now? I know it was a calling — one that came from God. He knew I needed a space to serve, grow, and lead alongside women of faith and power.
I left Ohio feeling spiritually full and mission-driven. I’m ready to document our history, honor the women who paved the way — like my grandmother — and uplift new voices in our community.
So if you’ve been thinking about getting involved in a service organization — this is your sign.
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