African American Benevolent Societies

The first mutual aid association for free Blacks, the African Union Society, was founded in Newport, Rhode Island, in 1780. Originally formed to promote emigration to Africa, the group fostered ties with African American communities in Boston and other cities, eventually establishing an informal network of free Blacks throughout the Northeast. Other benevolent societies soon arose, notably the Free African Society of Philadelphia in 1787.

Largely excluded from mainstream white society, these mutual aid groups strove to develop and nurture a distinctive Black culture. In the beginning, benevolent societies focused mainly on maintaining vital records and assisting with costs related to funerals and burials. Over time, they evolved into social hubs that offered counseling, discussion groups and education and cultural programs.

Membership in benevolent societies was voluntary, and required the payment of monthly or annual dues. In order to build popular support for their organizations – and counter racial stereotypes – most benevolent societies expected members to adhere to a strict moral code. While organizations originally limited membership to adult males, a number of societies eventually welcomed both men and women.

Benevolent societies played an important role in helping former slaves adjust to life in society. Many groups sponsored apprenticeship programs to help recently liberated Blacks develop valuable work skills. Some organizations also established stations on the Underground Railroad to shelter fugitive slaves.

In 1830, the first convention of free African Americans, a gathering of benevolent societies from across the country, took place in Philadelphia. By this time, roughly 80 benevolent societies existed in that city alone, while another 40 had formed in Baltimore. Massachusetts, New York and Rhode Island also experienced the proliferation of Black mutual aid organizations.

Though less widespread, benevolent societies also formed in areas of the Southern U.S. In New Orleans, mutual aid groups bonded around a strong music culture. Brass bands became a distinctive feature of funeral processions for society members, and neighborhood parades featured bands known as “second lines.” Louis Armstrong and other jazz pioneers first honed their craft in these gatherings.

Benevolent societies began to wane during the 20th century, as many of their services were supplanted by federal and state programs. Still, these organizations laid the groundwork for a number of modern Black associations, including churches, fraternal orders, insurance companies and other groups. With roots going back to the Revolutionary War, the tradition of providing mutual aid in times of hardship continues to thrive in African American communities to this day.

Contributors: Maha Tazi, Stephen Meyer