History of the COA

Miss. Arsania Williams, Founder and President of COA for 30 years

In 1911, a group of dedicated African American women took the first steps toward forming an organization and petitioned the National YWCA for a branch in St. Louis. This branch would serve and create opportunities for the young African American women of the city who were prevented by racial segregation from attending the main YWCA. The new branch would be named for the poet, Phyllis Wheatley, a former slave who was America’s first published African American poet.

Organized under Miss. Arsania Williams, these visionary women became the Y’s Committee On Administration, which provided the day-to-day operations and overall governance of the Phyllis Wheatley YWCA for the next several decades. They were invaluable in keeping the struggling branch afloat by sponsoring activities, fundraising and leadership–all in the support of young women seeking to better their lives.

It has been over 111 years and the members of the COA continue to work with and for women to improve their lives. Their tireless support and championing for those less fortunate is a testament to their dedication and persistence in helping women to achieve their entire potential
and who are transitioning from homelessness to self-sufficiency.