These five officers of the Women’s
League, Newport c1899 were part of a movement
formed by middle class women including
school teachers, nurses and journalists
dedicated to helping less privileged African
American women. The were renowned for
advocating women’s suffrage and
education whilst also campaigning against
lynching and for domestic workers who
were frequently subjected to sexual and
physical exploitation. They typically
organised clubs raising money to care
for children, the sick and the elderly.