Document 4: "Fights Lynching With Fruit Cake," 5 January [year unknown], NAACP Papers, Part 7: The Anti-Lynching Campaign, 1912-1955, Series B: Anti-Lynching Legislative and Publicity Files, 1916-1955, Library of Congress (Microfilm, Reel 1, Frame 320).
Introduction
Women's work as fundraisers for the NAACP's anti-lynching fund took many forms and the goals of the Anti-Lynching Crusaders were predated by the efforts of many black and white women. In this case, Louise Davis raised money for the anti-lynching campaign by selling cakes to "friends and acquaintances." Such small-scale and local fundraising efforts were common in African-American communities, particularly in the South, where white authorities provided scant support for crucial public services like schools and hospitals. It is unknown what year Davis baked her cakes--however, her inspiration to other women can only be imagined.
FIGHTS LYNCHING WITH FRUIT CAKE __________ New York, Jan. 5.--By the sale of toothsome fruit cakes to friends and acquaintances, Mrs. Louise Davis of Cleveland, wife of Civil Service Commissioner Harry E. Davis, has raised $25 which she has sent to the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People to aid in its fight against lynching, discrimination and segregation. Mrs. Davis, a popular society matron of Cleveland, has raised similar sums each year for the Association in this manner.
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