Uncrowned Community Builders

Judith Horton, a graduate of Oberlin College, moved to the Oklahoma Territory before statehood. A resident of Guthrie, she was the founder and organizer of the first affiliate club of the National Association of Colored Womenââ?¬â?¢s Clubs in the state. Founded in 1906, the Excelsior Club under Mrs. Hortonââ?¬â?¢s leadership established the first Negro library in the state of Oklahoma. The Club was also responsible for promoting the cultural enrichment of the citizens of Guthrie by bringing talented and influential groups and individuals to the city, including the Fisk Jubilee Singers, Booker T. Washington and Hallie Q. Brown. The motto of the Excelsior Club was, ââ?¬Å?To glorify God and uplift humanityââ?¬.

In 1910, Mrs. Horton was among a group of club women from throughout the state who formed the Oklahoma Federation of Colored Womenââ?¬â?¢s Clubs. She was identified as holding the office of ââ?¬Å?Organizerââ?¬ for the group. She led the Federation as its second president, from 1915-1919. She brought the establishment of training schools for black boys and girls to reality. Also, during her tenure she conceived the idea of an official insignia for the Oklahoma Federation which was designed by Miss Manilla Johnson. This insignia was adopted by the national organization and became the insignia for the National Association of Colored Womenââ?¬â?¢s Clubs in 1930.

In penning her autobiography, entitled ââ?¬Å?How It Happened.ââ?¬, Judith Horton wrote in the foreword:

ââ?¬Å?With the belief and hope that the facts and experiences herein related may lend encouragement and inspiration to many others whose chances are none brighter than mine were, and furnish a few suggestions for those older ones who are grappling with great human problems, this sketch is given to them by the author.ââ?¬

(Information for the biography was obtained from: Wesley, Charles Harris, The History of the NACWC: A Legacy of Service: Washington, D.C, the NACWC, 1984, p. 506-510)