"A new club... a new direction" was the attitude of the members of the club organized by Jonnie Mango and Wilma Scott on October 13, 1986 at the War Memorial Civic Center.

It was Jonnie Mango, a visionary and compassionate person who wanted to do something to help build and to broaden the ideals of African American ladies' culture, who led the organization of the club. Mango wanted to challenge women of color to hammer out a place for themselves by steady and rugged blows of self-esteem, self-determination, self-discipline and self-assurance.

At the first meeting, officers were elected and by-laws, program, and scholarship committees were appointed. A name for the new club, Ebonite Culture Unlimited, was selected along with the club colors of brown and beige.

The club seeks to establish, maintain and encourage high cultural and moral standards among members and the public.

Ebonite Activies Include

• Granting scholarships to promote and encourage achievements in education
• Participation in the Southwest LA Black Heritage Festival
• Annual Beauty Pagent (through 1991)
• Sprint Extravaganza and Beau Pageant
• Memorial Services, Awards and Scholarships in memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
• Annual visit to churches (as a group)
• Participation in the "Say No To Drugs" campaign
• Christmas Party
• Visits to sick, shutins and nursing homes
• Family picnics
• Positive self-image workshops
• Organized Junior Ebonites
• Distribution of holiday baskets
• Donations to June Jenkins Women's Shelter and other worthy causes

Past presidents are: Mesdams Jonnie Mango, Sammie May, Linda Jackson, Wilma Scott and Vanilla Sanders. Each president has had the insight, ability and energy to lead the Ebonites to new and greater heights. Current president, Alanna Bradford, accepted the gavel with these words, "With your support there will be a new day with a new outlook for the Ebonite Culture Unlimited Club."

Clearly, "A new club...a new direction" is still the attitude of the members of Ebonite Culture Unlimited.

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