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Letter from Victoria Earle Matthews to an Unnamed Recipient – National Association of Colored Women, February 7, 1897

Object/Artifact
This is a handwritten letter dated February 7, 1897, from Victoria Earle Matthews, written on letterhead from the National Association of Colored Women (NACW). The NACW was founded in 1896 and played a crucial role in advocating for civil rights, education, and social reform for African American women. The letter acknowledges the recipient’s kindness and thoughtful gesture, expressing appreciation while maintaining a warm and personal tone. Victoria Earle Matthews was a prominent African American author, activist, and social reformer, deeply involved in efforts to uplift and empower Black women and communities. The letter also contains a postscript where Matthews explains that she is

Victoria Earle Matthews was a key figure in the NACW and a leading voice for African American women's rights. The NACW, led by women like Mary Church Terrell, Frances Harper, and Josephine St. Pierre Ruffin, worked to combat racial discrimination, promote education, and provide social services for Black communities. This letter highlights Matthews’ engagement in the movement, showcasing the personal networks and relationships among early African American women activists. The mention of an evening event and a reference to "the tree" being moved suggests involvement in a specific community or organizational initiative.

Latimer Family Papers (1870-1996 ) [QPL Full Collection]

Letterhead: National Association of Colored Women Organized 1896 Office of the National Organizer 9 Murray Street (List of officers, including Mary Church Terrell, Frances Harper, Josephine St. Pierre Ruffin, and others, appears at the top.) Date and Location: New York, N.Y. Feb 7, 1897 Body: "Dear Mr. L—, This looks awfully ‘prosy’—but I want to say thank you so much for so kind & sending such pretty thoughts to the Assn. I am so pleased with the altogether unctuousness(!) of the manner of this ‘mention’ that I can’t resist dropping you these hurried words. So many would find opportunity in thinking and saying that it was quite dark some end other than the tree must be served—your mention is so in keeping with the true spirit of the evening that I say again thanks so much, love to all. Hurriedly but sincerely, Victoria Earle Matthews" Postscript: "P.S. I am dreadfully precluded from time—That is why this is such a scrawl."