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Perry Burroughs Democratic Women’s Club Celebrates 75th
Anniversary
By India J. Duke
Sojourner’s Truth Reporter
On Saturday, October 7, the Perry Burroughs Democratic
Women‘s Club held a banquet at Aria Banquet Hall in
celebration of their 75th year of active
political engagement.
The club began in 1942 in the home of Perry Burroughs. Seven
women gathered in Burroughs’ home and held somewhat
secretive meetings. During this time, blacks were faced with
racism and segregation and were not allowed to be in certain
places. “They had to meet in their homes because of not
being able to meet elsewhere because of their color”, said
Prescilla Hutchens, banquet chairman.
The club members would later move from Burroughs’ home to
hosting meetings in each other’s homes.
The purpose of the club is to study and understand the
Democratic candidates of Lucas County. They also strive to
enhance an understanding of government through educating
citizens on the importance of voting and promoting
relationships between Democrats and various non-profit
community groups.
At the banquet the club members celebrated not only 75 years
of service but also members who have dedicated many years to
the club. Among those were Rose Keetion; Grace Edwards,
Burroughs’ daughter; and Prestein Waddell, all of whom have
over 40 years of active participation in the organization.
During a speech at the banquet Toledo City Councilwoman and
Club President Yvonne Harper addressed the 2015 victory of
Toledo Mayor Paula Hicks-Hudson. Hicks-Hudson, a member of
the Perry Burroughs Democratic Women’s Club, is Toledo’s
first African-American woman mayor.
“We’ve got the first and no one can take that from us”, said
Harper.
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