African American Mutual Aid Societies

African American Mutual Aid Societies are community organizations formed primarily in the 19th and 20th centuries to provide social, financial, and health support to African Americans, especially during times of discrimination and economic hardship. Members paid dues to create a fund that assisted each other in times of need, such as during sickness, unemployment, or funerals. These societies fostered a sense of community, pride, and solidarity, and often provided educational resources and social opportunities, helping to empower their members in a society that marginalized them. They played a crucial role in the cultural and social fabric of African American life.