[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 12 (Tuesday, February 4, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E126-E127]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO THE WILFANDEL CLUB

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JULIAN C. DIXON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 4, 1997

  Mr. DIXON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute the Wilfandel Club of 
Los Angeles, CA, on the occasion of more than 50 years of service to 
the Los Angeles community. Nearly 3 months into its 52d year, the 
Wilfandel Club is as strong today as it was more than five decades ago 
when it organized with a credo of promoting civic betterment, 
philanthropic endeavors, and general culture.
  Founded on November 4, 1945, the Wilfandel Club took its name by 
combining the names of its primary founders, Mrs. Della Williams, wife 
of the renowned Los Angeles architect Paul Williams, and Mrs. Fannie 
Williams, a noted community leader. Though recognized by many in the 
Los Angeles community for their activism and commitment to social 
progress, Della and Fannie could not penetrate the barrier of racism 
which existed through out America--a barrier which excluded them and 
their fellow African-American

[[Page E127]]

sisters and brothers from most of Los Angeles' large hotels and public 
facilities.
  Undeterred, Della Williams and Fannie Williams, joined by a small 
cadre of like-minded African-American women determined that they would 
marshal forces to raise capital to purchase and renovate their very own 
clubhouse. With the help and support of 50 members, the women set 
course to do just that, purchasing property in the West Adams district 
of Los Angeles.
  The Wilfandel Club rapidly garnered a reputation as the place to hold 
farewell parties for the young African-American men who went off to 
fight America's wars, or for the sons and daughters who were leaving to 
attend college. Over the years, the Wilfandel Club has been one of the 
primary venues for thousands of wedding ceremonies, numerous community 
meetings and forums, teas, showers, art exhibits, and dinners.
  The club has established a rich legacy of giving back to the 
community. Honoring founding member's commitment to service, Wilfandel 
Club members have hosted and/or otherwise participated in numerous 
activities benefiting Community Health Week, Negro History Week, Los 
Angeles Beautiful, the Woman of the Year Program, Sojourner Truth, 
Negro Business and Professional Women, Women's DIvision--Los Angeles 
Chamber of Commerce, and the Watts Tower Art Center.
  Wilfandel members also have raised thousands of dollars to support 
the American Cancer Society, the Exceptional Children's Foundation, the 
Foundation for the Junior Blind, as well as the National Association 
for the Advancement of Colored People [NAACP].
  Today, Wilfandel Club members total more than 60 African-American 
women, all of whom share a vision and commitment to the goal of 
enhancing and strengthening the image of African-American women in our 
society, and in promoting peace, happiness, and personal growth for 
black women everywhere. For its contributions to the community, the 
club is the recipient of the Community Service Award, presented by the 
California State Attorney General.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to have this occasion to salute the Wilfandel 
Club as it enters its 52d year of service as an outstanding African-
American women's organization. From humble beginnings, its members have 
shepherded the club to an enviable place in the Los Angeles community, 
as an exemplary organization dedicated to service and empowerment. The 
Wilfandel Club continues to live up to the legacy envisioned by its 
founders. I am pleased to commend club members on their record of 
service to the community, and ask that you join me in extending our 
best wishes for at least 50 more years of outstanding service.

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