Black Women's Organizations

The Lit-Mus Study Club

Meeting of the Federation of Colored Clubs held at the Michigan Avenue YMCA, December 13, 1930 Photo by A. Fields, Buffalo, NY

Derived from a contraction of the terms, literature and music, The Lit-Mus Study Club's name symbolizes its mission: "to study history, sociology, civics, literature, music, and any other subject chosen to improve our community and to promote sociability among our members."   Founded in 1922 by Mrs. Florence Jackson Lee, Ms. Amelia Anderson and her sister in law, Mrs. Ora Lewis Anderson, the group started with a nucleus of twenty-one women.  Soon after, the club became an affiliate of the National Association of Colored Women's Clubs, and its New York State counter-part, the Empire State Federation of Women's Clubs, there-by adopting as its mottos, "Lifting as we climb" and "The end crowns the work".

In keeping with its purpose, the Lit-Mus Study Club has strived to increase access to literature by African Americans, and has donated books to schools and libraries. One of the most notable achievements of the club is that it introduced the observance of Negro History Week to the Buffalo community in 1928.  Among its other accomplishments is the co-sponsorship of the Carter G. Woodson Speaking Contest, held annually in February.  The Lit-Mus Study Club supports numerous local charities and has a fund that awards scholarships to local students.

The Lit-Mus Club holds the distinction of being the oldest active affiliate of the National Association of Colored Women's Clubs in the city and continues a tradition of service to the community that spans more than three quarters of a century. 

The Uncrowned Queens Project salutes and thanks the Lit-Mus Study Club for over 75 years of service in building and strengthening the Buffalo and Western New York African American community..  Among its activities, the club supports numerous local charities and has a fund that awards scholarships to local students.