RESOLUTION NO. 180846
Congratulating the Twin Citians Social Club on celebrating
their 75th Anniversary and their role in serving the community.
WHEREAS, it was in January, 1943, in the
middle of World War II, that twenty-four women, recently graduated from
college, and just beginning their diverse careers, decided to form a club; and
WHEREAS, the
club was to exist for the purpose of promoting social recreation and enjoyment
while engaging in limited civic activity. Membership was composed of persons
from both Kansas Cities – 17 from Kansas and 7 from Missouri – therefore the
club name of “Twin Citians” was chosen; and
WHEREAS, two
Kansans, Inez Kaiser and Julia Peterson, were instrumental in the organization
of the club. Gertrude Bardwell was elected as the first president, through the
years, the club’s civic scopes broaden and the members began contributing to
numerous worthy charitable and civic causes. These included a life NAACP
membership and participation in various other organizations; and
WHEREAS, in the
fall of 1958, the Twin Citians spearheaded the call for action to desegregate
the lunch counters in the Kansas City, Missouri downtown department stores.
This prompted the club to call meetings for prominent Black Leaders and representatives
from many social, civic and religious organizations to join the cause; and
WHEREAS, the
group adopted the name of “COMMUNITY COMMITTEE FOR SOCIAL ACTION” (CCSA).
After weeks that spread into months of picketing, the stores
finally agreed to desegregate their lunch counters and cafeterias in Spring
1959. This action served as an impetus for the opening of other avenues for
Blacks; and
WHEREAS, there
are currently 28 active members, 4 alumni members and several associate members;
NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT RESOLVED
BY THE COUNCIL OF KANSAS CITY:
That the Mayor
and Council do hereby congratulate and commend The Twin Citians Social Club of
the present-day, comprised of women dedicated to the betterment of themselves
and their country and its citizens; and
BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED that this Resolution be spread upon the Minutes of the Council in
testimony thereof and that a copy hereof be presented to Iris Dillard,
President, with the encouragement of the Mayor and Council to have all Kansas
Citians join in the celebration of the 75th Anniversary of Twin Citians Social
Club.
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