Federation of Associated Clubs - indyencyclopedia.org

The Federation of Associated Clubs (FAC) was founded in 1937 as a coalition of nine local African American social clubs. Within 10 years its membership included representatives from 125 different African American clubs in the Indianapolis area, enabling the organization to promote a wide range of activities in education, politics, civic projects, and employment for the community.

The two-story clapboard house has a brick front porch with a second floor porch above. There are two dormer windows set in the roof. — *Clubhouse of the Federation of Associated Clubs, ca. 1948* **Credit:** Indiana Historical Society View Source

Starling W. James (October 10, 1893-June 18, 1986) founded and led FAC for its entire existence. James early demonstrated his ability as an advocate for African Americans. While in high school, he organized a group of young men into a civic organization called the Cosmopolitan Club. The club was the forerunner of the county branch of the National Association For The Advancement Of Colored People (NAACP).

Upon graduation from Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri, James served as a teacher and principal in several Kansas schools. In Kansas, he came under heavy criticism for his civil rights advocacy and was forced to leave. He moved to Indianapolis in 1927 and served as a teacher and assistant principal at Indianapolis Public Schools No. 26 until his retirement in 1964. He founded FAC while he worked for IPS.

A man sits at a desk with his hands clasped. — *Federation of Associated Clubs president Starling W. James. 1964* **Credit:** Indianapolis Recorder Collection, Indiana Historical Society View Source

The decade from 1939 to 1949 was the period of greatest activity for the federation. It provided scholarships to graduates of Crispus Attucks High School, promoted civic gatherings, circulated petitions, and advocated for the African American community. FAC campaigned for African American representation on the Indianapolis School Board, was successful in having downtown theaters desegregated, and worked to upgrade positions for African Americans in Indiana Bell Telephone Company and other public utilities. The club mounted voter registration campaigns, conducted public political forums, and sponsored appreciation banquets for friendly legislators.

The years 1950 to 1975 marked the accomplishment of objectives initiated during the earlier decade. These included the establishment of Negro History Week (which became African American History Month), the publication of a weekly column in the Indianapolis Recorder, and active support of Civil Rights legislation.

Two rows of men and women are pictured. — *Officers of the Federation of Associated Clubs at a meeting in their clubhouse, ca. 1945* **Credit:** Indiana Historical Society View Source

James received honors from the Alpha Home, Meridian-Highland Neighborhood Club, and Frontier Club of America, and also received the Indiana Distinguished Citizen Award for community service and personal leadership. FAC became less active after James’s retirement in 1984 and ceased to exist after his death in 1986.

DALLAS DANIELS JR. (1994), KATHERINE BADERTSCHER (2021)

Revised February 2021

KEY WORDS

African AmericansPhilanthropy and Nonprofits

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