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In October 1973, Tenth District Councilman Dave Cunningham and Chief of Staff Maxine Waters gave Geneva Cox, Aide, her assignment of bringing together a cross section of women of the 10th Council District to meet with the Councilman and Chief of Staff. Noted caterer, Frankie Bell, volunteered to donate her home and lunch for the get together, which was held on March 16, 1974.

Chief of Staff, now Congresswoman Maxine Waters, explained the reason for calling the women together we could accomplish a great deal. With our varying backgrounds we could make the 10th District an outstanding District

Committees were appointed to implement the organization of women’s group, which became the 10th Council District Women’s Steering Committee.

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Under the leadership of Geneva Cox our first conference, “Women in Leadership -How We Can Best Serve Our Community-Woman”. A Catalyst for Social Change” was held at City Hall on Saturday, September 21, 1974. The conference was designed for women who wish to develop skills as professionals or volunteers in the schools, community, government, and private industry.

The conferences were held at City Hall yearly until 1989 when an earthquake limited the use of City Hall. The group then started holding seminars and workshops in various facilities in the District and City. The first general membership meeting was held Saturday, March 22, 1975, at the Ebony Showcase Theater and Cultural Arts Center. The group was incorporated on January 3, 1979, under the Secretary of State of California, March Fong Eu. On July 22, 2014, the 10th Council District Women’s Steering Committee was incorporated as a 501 © (3) non-profit corporation/organization.

Over the years the 10th District W.S.C. has held informative workshops, field trips, cultural affairs, theatre parties, provided scholarships, networked with other women’s groups, civic, religious, political organizations; held Easter Egg hunts, Christmas parties and toy giveaways.

Many members have been honored, received awards, and served on city and county commissions and committees. Two members: Ramona Whitney and Geneva Cox for the 10th Council District. The Queen Anne Recreation Center’s Community Building was dedicated to Hattie Williams Brown: Jackie Calloway was appointed by Mayor Bradley and Councilman Cunningham as the first president of the Rent Control Board; Martha Yamaki served as a Rent  Adjustment Commissioner; Louise Mize received Anheuser Busch’s Dr. Martin Luther King Award; Dr. Marion Sims recognized in the L.A. Times for raising a family, pursuing a career, and work in the Civil Rights Movement; Margery Ferrier was the first Senior Citizens Coordinator for the Tenth District under Councilman David Cunningham. Lettie Butler was founder of the West Adams Improvement Association; Maria Spurlock-Drew received a 10th District Commendation for her work in public relations. Marvin Avenue School dedicated the library in the memory of Helen Ludiway, Eleanora Yancey received the L.A. NAACP Volunteer of the Year Award. Thelma Hilliard has been recognized as Woman of the Year for the 74th District by Assemblyman Herb Wesson, Gladys Wesson-Strickland “Woman of the Year 2000”, and Alicia Salazar as “Woman of the Year 2004”; Marion Collins as Educator of the Year and Joan Jackson as Volunteer of the Year. Ethel Bradley, Sylvia Cunningham, Maxine Waters and Geneva Cox has been recognized Honorary Members of the 10th Council District Women’s Steering Committee.

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PIONEER WOMEN OF THE 10TH COUNCIL DISTRICT AWARDS: Virginia Hayes Williams, Joan Jackson, Jackie Calloway, Eleanora Yancey, Sebie S. Browne, Marion Collins and Audrey Quarles.

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SPECIAL HONORS & ACHIEVEMENTS: The Women’s Steering Committee was given the William Grant Still “Trailblazer Award”. On June 24, 2014, the members of the 10th Council District W.S.C. were invited by Council President Herb Wesson and honored before the entire City Council at Los Angeles City Hall for their outstanding contributions to the community. Past President Rosa Russell (1998-2008) was elected President of the 54th Assembly District Democratic Club. Joann Fleming was President from 2009-2012. Connye Thomas has served as President of the 10th Council District W.S.C. since 2013-2014. Jacqueline Nunn was elected President in 2015; she is still serving her term through 2017.