Guide to the Women in the Urban Crisis Records, 1969-1984 AIS.1985.03

Arrangement

Repository
ULS Archives & Special Collections
Title
Women in the Urban Crisis Records
Creator
Women in the Urban Crisis (Pittsburgh, Pa.)
Collection Number
AIS.1985.03
Extent
22.25 Linear Feet (18 boxes)
Date
1960-1984
Abstract
The Women in the Urban Crisis (WIUC) was a non-profit organization that formed as a result of an urban crisis conference held at Chatham College in March of 1969, which attracted women leaders throughout the community. The records contain correspondence, projects, programs, and proposals. In addition, there are organizational files of the WIUC and information pertaining to their annual conferences.
Language
English .
Author
Jessica L. Marshall. Revisions occurred to the finding aid as a part of the encoding process on February 5, 2003. Additions performed by Hannah Wilgenbusch in 2019.
Publisher
ULS Archives & Special Collections
Address
University of Pittsburgh Library System
Archives & Special Collections
Website: library.pitt.edu/archives-special-collections
Business Number: 412-648-3232 (Thomas) | 412-648-8190 (Hillman)
Contact Us: www.library.pitt.edu/ask-archivist
URL: http://library.pitt.edu/archives-special-collections

History

Women in the Urban Crisis (WIUC) was a non-profit organization that formed as a result of an urban crisis conference held at Chatham College in March of 1969, which attracted women leaders throughout the community. The conference in Pittsburgh was one of the many that B'nai B'rith Women organized in various cities across the nation following the 1968 assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The urban crisis refers to various problems which residents of cities face. In Pittsburgh, Women in the Urban Crisis looked at troubles associated with education, employment, health, housing, and welfare. To alleviate these crises the organization set up programs and also worked on joint projects with other organizations in the city.

The organization was headed by a president and elected officers. Five committees, designated for each of the issues listed above, were the most active part of the WIUC and coordinated their efforts with associated orgaizations. Other committees were created as needed for special projects. Additional support came from a board, approximately 50 constituent organizations, and individual members who contributed to the success of Women in the Urban Crisis.

The WIUC served as an umbrella organization which united Pittsburgh's various civil rights and women's organizations to more effectively address the problems of inner-city Pittsburgh. Concerned with the relative ineffectiveness of many individual organizations, often divided by class, race, or religion, the WIUC brought them together to work towards their common goals. The WIUC facilitated the cooperation of their constituent groups on various projects and maintained communication between them. Their annual conferences kept their constituents and community members updated with their progress and goals. The organization focused on an educational approach, raising awareness of the issues in Pittsburgh communities and working to improve the quality of life.

After 15 years of service, Women in the Urban Crisis dissolved in 1984.

Scope and Content Notes

The collection of Women in the Urban Crisis is comprised of eight series contained in fifteen boxes. Additional scope and content notes can be found at the series level. The records include correspondence, projects, programs, and proposals. In addition, there are organizational files of WIUC and information pertaining to their annual conferences. Enhancing the collections are photographs, slides, and newspaper clippings documenting the work of the organization. The bulk of the records range from 1972-1982. The files are arranged alphabetically by subject or name as they were used by the office of origin.

Access Restrictions

No restrictions.

Acquisition Information

Gift of Arlene Stromberg, Women in the Urban Crisis, March 21, 1985.

Previous Citation

Women in the Urban Crisis Records, 1969-1984, AIS.1985.03, Archives Service Center, University of Pittsburgh

Preferred Citation

Women in the Urban Crisis Records, 1969-1984, AIS.1985.03, Archives & Special Collections, University of Pittsburgh

Processing Information

This collection was processed by Jessica L. Marshall in January 2003. Additions processed by Hannah Wilgenbusch in 2019.

Revision and rearrangement for the encoded version of the finding aid provided by ASC Staff in 2003. Information about the collection title and the controlled access terms was extracted from the MARC record in the University of Pittsburgh catalog Voyager ID number:4125629

Copyright

Permission for publication is given on behalf of the University of Pittsburgh as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained.

Subjects

    Corporate Names

    • B'nai B'rith Women
    • KDKA-TV (Television station : Pittsburgh, Pa.)
    • Pittsburgh School District (Pa.). Breakfast Program
    • Women in the Urban Crisis (Pittsburgh, Pa.)
    • WPXI (Television station : Pittsburgh, Pa.)

    Personal Names

    • Arnold, Charlotte
    • Charles, Marian
    • Harris, Vivian
    • Johnson, Katie
    • Pickett, Betty
    • Rayvid, Lynn
    • Reizenstein, Florence
    • Shapira, Frieda
    • Ware, Grace

    Geographic Names

    • Pittsburgh (Pa.) -- Economic conditions
    • Pittsburgh (Pa.) -- Social conditions

    Other Subjects

    • Associations
    • Social action
    • Women
    • Human rights workers -- Pennsylvania -- Pittsburgh
    • Human services -- Pennsylvania -- Pittsburgh
    • Child care services -- Pennsylvania -- Pittsburgh
    • Women volunteers in social service -- Pennsylvania -- Pittsburgh
    • Women in community development -- Pennsylvania -- Pittsburgh
    • Action Line (Pittsburgh, Pa.)
    • Call for Action (Pittsburgh, Pa.)

Container List