The Washington, DC Chapter of Club Dejouir, Incorporated, the “Mother Chapter”, was founded in 1946 by eight high school girls who were attending the famous Dunbar High School. After graduating from high school and many transitioning to college, a founding member, Lillie Matthews, offered membership to a childhood friend living in Richmond, VA, who extended it to Norfolk, VA, and the link continued to Philadelphia, PA, Petersburg, VA, Baltimore, MD and lastly to Columbia, MD. This led to a national expansion and the organization being incorporated in 1955. As the organization evolved, so did its purpose of promoting a social atmosphere among women of like ideals; encouraging the virtues of womanhood; and participating actively in local and national charitable endeavors.
The Washington, DC charter members are Carlana (Lana) Acker, Joyce Ball*, Jacqueline Barnes*, Perea Blackmon, Karen Bobo, Peggy Brown*, Barbara Dickenson*, Grace Gray*, Mildred Greene*, Inez Hill**, Kim Hudson-Delmore, Gloria Ingram*, Pamela Johnson, Vernice Butler Johnson**, Laurice Juggins**, Felisha Kimble, Betty Larkins*, Arcenia (Cenie) Macklin, Lillie Matthews*, Thomasia Moore*, Yolanda (Hope) Nelson, Kristen Rutledge, Evelyn Reynolds*, Joan Rich*, and Bernadine Taylor*. Over the years, the Washington DC Chapter has gained notoriety and continues to attract positive women looking to make a indelible impact in the local communities and beyond.
The Mother Chapter represents the ultimate in sisterhood, service and sophistication. The chapter is proud of its accomplishments and looks to continue its efforts today and in the future. The Washington, DC Chapter continues to carry the torch lit by a beautiful group of high school friends who first believed in a social connection of sisterhood. If you are interested in joining the Washington, DC Chapter, please send an email to dc@clubdejouir.org
*Deceased Members
**Emeritus
President – Dejouir Kristen Rutledge
Vice President – Dejouir Stella Johnson
Recording Secretary – Dejouir Arcenia Macklin
Treasurer/Correspondence Secretary – Dejouir Pamela Johnson
Financial Manager – Dejouir Karen Bobo
Meeting Date: Every third (3rd) Saturday of the Month