In her address to the National Association of Colored Women (NACW), Mary Church Terrell stated: "In our work, we have been guided by our motto, 'Lifting as We Climb.' ... We want to do more than simply form clubs and hold meetings; we must go down into the communities, into the homes of our people, and lift them up as we rise."
Based on this excerpt, which of the following best describes the primary objective of the NACW's activism?
- ASecuring voting rights for women by focusing exclusively on gender discrimination, similar to mainstream white women's organizations.
- BRestricting the club's activities strictly to religious services and spiritual healing within local churches.
- Uplifting the entire African American community through social service, education, and political activism, while addressing the specific needs of Black women and children.Answer
- DEncouraging African Americans to leave the United States and emigrate to West Africa to build new societies.
Answer
Uplifting the entire African American community through social service, education, and political activism, while addressing the specific needs of Black women and children.
The correct answer is correct because the motto 'Lifting as We Climb' articulated the NACW's central philosophy of intersectional activism. Rather than focusing solely on gender, the organization worked to improve the material, educational, and political conditions of the entire African American community, emphasizing that the advancement of Black women was crucial to the elevation of the entire race.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
The goals, philosophy, and motto ('Lifting as We Climb') of the National Association of Colored Women (NACW) in the context of racial uplift and Black women's activism.
Estimated Time:45s