The Northeasterners Inc. Records by Valerie Wingfield, Archives UnitAugust 16, 2016

The Northeasterners was founded as a social organization for African American women in 1930 by Agatha Scott Davis (d. 2002), the wife of Brigadier General Benjamin O. Davis, Jr.

Agatha Davis was inspired to form this club after visiting African American debutantes in different northeastern cities. She felt their similar interests would be met in a club. Davis would serve one term in office from 1929 to 1931.

Membership is by invitation only. Resumes for entree may include educational background, professional careers of themselves and/or spouses, and membership in other African American social organizations such as the Jack and Jill Club of America (established in 1938). Men who join the organization are known as Lords.

First Meeting in New York City

At the first meeting held on June 1930 in New York City, the members elected to call themselves the Gay Northeasterners to reflect the bright, happy, merry demeanor of the group. In 1979 the word gay was dropped to reflect the current name.

The first chapters were established in New York City (serving also as the headquarters), Philadelphia and Washington. Chapters would also open up in Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Columbus, Detroit, Indianapolis, Pittsburgh, Washington, D.C. and the state of New Jersey.

The Northeasterners hold an annual convention in different conclaves throughout the northeast and midwest. This organization also has a history of supporting charitable causes and gives an annual scholarship to Howard University.

Preserving the History of the Organization

Former president Dr. Thomy D. Joyner thought that it was important to preserve the legacy of the Northeasterners and to have their archives preserved at an African American scholarly institution. The Schomburg Center for Research for Research in Black Culture was selected by consensus. Vivian D. Hewitt acts as the liaison to the Schomburg Center and historian for the Northeasterners.

This blog post was inspired by the Northeasterners, Inc. records.

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black history

Submitted by Cisero K. Murphy Jr. (not verified) on February 8, 2018 - 5:15pm

Greetings: My name is Cisero Murphy, Jr., and I would like to respectfully requested that my father be considered in any Black History awareness program you are involve with. Here is a short Bio in relations to my father Cisero "Sonny" Murphy: Cisero Sonny Murphy was born in North Carolina and came to live with a family member in Brooklyn, New York in 1937. Cisero dropped out of high school at age 15. Intending to be a boxer, Cisero picked up a pool cue one day when someone else was using the punching bag. Cisero, played poorly, and was ridiculed by the other players. Cisero did not appreciate being humiliated, thus taught himself how to play pool - and the next time Cisero played those guys, he beat them all. Cisero continued practicing and playing pool every chance he got, and became a force to be reckon with. By the age of 16, Cisero was the City Champion in the Police Athletic league and became State Champion in 1958. Cisero, then won the Eastern State Championship Tournament six years in a row. Despite Cisero's success, he was excluded from many national events because of his race. Many protested, which eventually led to Cisero being invited to the Burbank World Invitational in 1965. With pure dominance, Cisero won, becoming the First Black to win a World Title (during the Jim Crow Era) - and one of only two to win a World Title on his (Cisero's) first attempt. Outside of playing pool, Cisero also gave back to his community by working with programs for children and young adults and visiting senior centers and hospitals to teach pool. Cisero Sonny Murphy was finally inducted into the Billiards Congress of America Hall of Fame in 1995. Cisero, subsequently, passed away in 1996. Enclosing, my father (Cisero "Sonny" Murphy) was, and still is, considered to be the "Jackie Robinson" to the sport of Billiards. I have a PDF book that I wrote and had copyright about my dad's many struggles and historical accomplishments. I am hoping to hear from you at your earliest convenience, I remain. Respectfully requested, Cisero Murphy, Jr. email: ciserom2511@yahoo.com

Northeasteners Memebrship

Submitted by Dianne Jackson Pues (not verified) on February 26, 2019 - 10:57am

Greetings, I am inquiring as to how or to whom I request a membership to the Northeasteners. My interest in this group is a very powerful one, you see the woman pictured above Edith Scott is my Paternal Grandmother and Agatha Scott her sister was my Great Aunt. If someone, anyone, can please contact me regarding this magnificent organization? Many Thanks, Dianne Jackson Pues

Information about Northeasterners

Submitted by Narisa Sasi (not verified) on July 8, 2021 - 11:22pm

Hello Ms. Pues Please provide a email address or Contact information. I will try to connect you with some information.

Membership in the Northeasterners

Submitted by Valerie Wingfield (not verified) on February 27, 2019 - 2:12pm

Thank you Ms. Pues for your inquiry about becoming a member of the Northeasterners and sharing your family history. Deborah F. Copeland was listed as the president of the organization.There is no contact information. This may be due to the fact that membership is by invitation only. In 2018, the Northeasterners held their national convention in Boston. The website for the organization follows: https://northeasternersinc.com/ The collection is held by NYPL Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Manuscripts, Archives and Rare Books. The following is their website: https://www.nypl.org/locations/divisions/manuscripts-archives-and-rare-books-division