One of the oldest and most highly respected social organizations of African American women in the United States, The Girl Friends®, Inc., will celebrate its 90th annual conclave in Boston today through Sunday at the Hilton Boston Park Plaza. Founded in 1927 in New York during the Harlem Renaissance and incorporated in 1938 under the legal guidance of Thurgood Marshall, who was the husband of Baltimore Girl Friend Vivian Marshall, Girl Friends serve their communities in many capacities — as authors, professors, doctors, lawyers, business owners, Congress members, wives, and mothers. The Girl Friends, Inc. represents over 2,000 members in 49 chapters in 26 states and the District of Columbia.
Boston became the fourth chapter of The Girl Friends, Inc. in January of 1931 and hosted the conclave in Boston in 1936, 1951 and 1976. “We are proud to be the destination for this annual gathering once again,” said Karen Holmes Ward, national vice president and Boston chapter president. “Our theme, ‘The Boston Tea Party,’ aligns perfectly with Boston250, our city’s celebration of the American Revolution.”
Providing a boost to the local economy, Girl Friends will visit the African Meeting House on Beacon Hill, visit The Embrace memorial on Boston Common, tour the Boston Public Garden, walk the galleries at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, cruise Boston Harbor, enjoy stage performances of “JaJa’s African Hairbraiding,” have fun at wine tastings at Urban Grape and dine at dozens of local restaurants, including several black-owned establishments. Conclave chair Dr. Cindy Carter noted “The first conclave was held in 1933 in New York City with 28 members in attendance,” said conclave chair Dr. Cindy Carter. “This year the Boston chapter will welcome well over a thousand to our city for our 90th conclave.”
National Girl Friends, Inc. conclave at Hotel Lenox, Boston, Mass 1951 PHOTO: THE GIRL FRIENDS®, INC.
Although the original concept was social, The Girl Friends, Inc. has expanded its purpose to include charitable and cultural activities. The organization has made approximately $250,000 in contributions to major organizations like the NAACP; the United Negro College Fund; the Children’s Defense Fund; the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture; the Flint, Michigan, water crisis; and The Girl Friends Fund Scholarship Program. In 1989 the Girl Friends Fund was founded as a separate 501(c)(3) organization to provide financial assistance to students countrywide.
Funds for philanthropic gifts to national nonprofits are contributed by members of the organization and awarded by a vote of delegates representing chapters in the organization.
This year The Girl Friends, Inc. awarded its National Project funds to the Innocence Project in the amount of $30,000 in support of landmark and groundbreaking work exonerating wrongly convicted people through DNA testing and reforming the criminal justice system. “As Girl Friends, we believe in justice, dignity, and the power of second chances,” said Beth Espy, the 39th national president of The Girl Friends, Inc. “Supporting efforts that help free the wrongfully convicted is not just a moral imperative — it’s a reflection of our commitment to equity and compassion. We applaud the Innocence Project for their tireless advocacy, and we are honored to stand beside them in this crucial fight.”
The Girl Friends, Inc. National Advisory Board chair, Courtney Moore, will present the check at the business meeting during the conclave. “As an organization, The Girl Friends, Inc.’s continued support of the Innocence Project stands as a testament to the enduring journey toward justice and fairness. We deeply admire the transformative work of the Innocence Project and its profound impact on humanity.”
Current members of The Girl Friends®, Inc. conclave PHOTO: THE GIRL FRIENDS®, INC.
In accepting the contribution, Olivia Barnes, policy administrator of the Innocence Project said, “The funds will support the Innocence Project’s work to free the innocent, transform the systems responsible for their wrongful incarceration, and advance the innocence movement.”
Girl Friend chapters across the country have supported a broad spectrum of causes in their communities with donated funds and volunteer hours for educational and arts projects, health and wellness initiatives and community assistance programs. The Boston chapter supports college scholarships and provides back-to-school and holiday support for single parents attending Roxbury Community College through the Single Parent Outreach Program.
Corporate supporters of this year’s conclave include signature partner Meet Boston (Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau). “We are delighted to host the 90th conclave of The Girl Friends, Inc. in Boston,” said Martha Sheridan, president and CEO of Meet Boston. “Our investments in diverse and inclusive events such as this have an essential economic impact to cultural sites and attractions, Black-owned restaurants and businesses, entertainment venues and more. The organization looked at a variety of destinations as they were selecting the conclave location for this year; we know that they made the right choice in Boston and cannot wait to show them all the city has to offer.”
Other lead partners are Morgan Stanley, AARP, and Encore Boston Harbor. Supporting partners include the City of Boston, Eastern Bank, Hearst Television and The Partnership, Inc. “Our Girl Friends are looking forward to convening in Boston to conduct our national business, celebrate our civic engagement and renew our bonds of friendship” said Espy. “In these changing times, we wholeheartedly thank our sponsors for their support.”
Next May, the New Jersey chapter of Girl Friends will host the 91st annual conclave in Scottsdale, Arizona.
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