By Gladys Davis Mulkey
L’Observateur

EDGARD — For more than 40 years, the members of the Wantu Wazuri Civic and Social Club have committed time and effort to improving the quality of life for those residing on the West Bank of St. John the Baptist Parish.

That long history of service is now recognized as part of Black History Month at the Roland Borne Sr. Memorial Library in Edgard.

A display highlighting the organization’s accomplishments can be seen in the library’s meeting room, which is open to the public.

Wantu Wazuri means “beautiful people” in Swahili, and the club consists of 13 current members, with Nora Pierre, a former principal in the St. John Parish, serving as president.

Member Grace Cook said she was motivated to join the group and help the lead by bringing “a positive realization to the people that we could really help them.”

Pierre said some of the group’s original members invited her to join the group, explaining their primary function was to be of service to the community because of numerous needs. The club has been nicknamed “The Teacher’s Group,” because nearly all of its members are current or have been former educators.

The group was started by a group of female educators in 1973, and organizers looked for other female educators because of their strong leadership capabilities and shared focus and passion of serving and providing education in the community.

Also known for its relief efforts, Wantu Wazuri has focused efforts in West St. John by helping families in the need of assistance.

Members sponsor several community events with active participation, including the annual Meet Santa Claus, Easter Egg Hunt and Senior Citizens Dinner. 

The group also provides an annual Mardi Gras Parade.

The Wantu Wazuri reach extends beyond West St. John through sponsorship in Guatemala with education assistance for selected students, Pierre said.

Organizers said more than $65,000 worth of scholarship funds have been donated back into the community since the group’s founding in 1973.

Active members include Elizabeth Johnson, Myrtle Walker, Deola Kindrick Ellis, Myrtle Bossier, Dolores Sorapuru, Josephine Jackson, Pierre, Rose Donald, Elouise Fiffie, Cook, Marsha Johnson, Vernadine Oubre and Chermaine Robiskie.

The Wantu Wazuri Civic and Social Club has raised funds by hosting an annual debutante ball for the past ten years.

The group was nominated for library recognition by JoAnn Proctor, who recommended the civic and social organization be honored by a display.

Proctor said Wantu Wazuri members make up a strong, influential group of women with a long standing reputation of providing service in the West St. John community by making a difference in many lives.

“We appreciate what they have done and continue to do for our community,” librarian Kearston Poche said.

Pierre said future plans for the club include staying actively involved in the St. John Parish Creole Farmers’ Market in Wallace every Saturday and continuing to provide scholarships and commitment to West St. John.