Welcome to the Detroit Association of Women’s Clubs, a cornerstone of historical significance located at 5461 Brush Street in Detroit, Michigan. This building is not just bricks and mortar; it’s a testament to the resilience and determination of the women who have championed civil rights and community service in Detroit. Originally constructed in 1913 for William Lennane, a prominent contractor specializing in concrete, paving, and sewer work, the house later found a new purpose. Upon his death in 1941, this elegant Colonial Revival building became the headquarters for the Detroit Association of Women’s Clubs (DAWC).
The DAWC, originally known as the Detroit Association of Colored Women’s Clubs, was formed in 1921 by eight pioneering social welfare organizations within Detroit’s Black community. Led by influential figures like Rosa Gragg, the association became a beacon of progress and empowerment, especially during the civil rights movement. In 1941, Gragg, demonstrating her commitment to the cause, mortgaged her own home to purchase the Lennane residence, transforming it into a vibrant hub for activism and social reform.
The association’s impact was profound, growing to include 75 clubs and 3,000 members by 1945. Under Gragg’s leadership, the DAWC navigated the challenges of racially restrictive covenants that initially prevented Black ownership west of Brush Street. Ingeniously, the address was altered from 326 East Ferry to 5461 Brush, circumventing these barriers and allowing the association to flourish in its new headquarters.
Today, the Detroit Association of Women’s Clubs continues to honor its legacy of service and advocacy, feeding thousands through programs like Holiday Meals on Wheels and adopting families during the holidays. This building, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, stands as a living monument to the enduring spirit and contributions of the women who have, and continue to, make history here.
