Improving Race Relations, One Daughter At A Time

Breaking a 236 year old tradition, the Daughters of American Revolution (D.A.R.), a non-profit women’s service organization that is notoriously known for its racial exclusivity, acknowledged its first chapter started by an African-American woman June.

Dr. Olivia Cousins could barely contain her astonishment, as she scoffed at the suggestion of joining the D.A.R. A black woman applying to a notoriously discriminatory group seemed hardly worthwhile. But in late June, she shook hands with President Wilhelmena Rhodes Kelly as one of the five black members to join the Queens, New York chapter.

The D.A.R. first opened its doors in 1890, welcoming dozens of citizens who strove for patriotism. Despites its mission improve the country’s general wellbeing D.A.R. acquired such a harsh reputation as a white only organization that Eleanor Roosevelt renounced her membership. The organization has since attempted to overcome it. Because of the DAR’s reputation, the organization struggles to obtain diverse members. Cousin’s membership signifies a start to a diverse D.A.R. For more on the ground breaking induction, check out NYT’s coverage.