Essex County Civic Club

"Generations of Service"

Essex County Civic Club was birthed in Bethany Baptist Church by a group of young women, in March of 1910.

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In 1915, the New Jersey State Federation of Colored Women's Clubs, Inc. invited the then named "What I Can Club" to join the Federation. It is through acceptance of this invitation given by the New Jersey State Federation of Colored Women's Clubs, Inc. that we are also member of the National Association of Colored Women's Clubs, Inc. 

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In 1925, the women of the "What I Can Club" would host their an annual banquet at Bethany Baptist Church. It was at this banquet that the New Jersey State Junior Federation was born.

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Although the Club's name has changed, the women of Essex County Civic Club have remained true to their values and community service efforts.

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Our club is the oldest continuously operated Black women's organization in the state of New Jersey.