Mollie Moon: Black Socialite…and Civil Rights Activist

NEW YORK (Nov. 6, 2023) There is a new book about the significant role of Black socialite Mollie Moon in the civil rights movement of the 1940s, '50s, and '60s, with a particular focus on her association with the National Urban League. Moon served as the president of the fundraising arm of the Urban League and played a pivotal role in raising millions of dollars to promote economic and racial equality in the United States.

Historian Tanisha Ford stumbled upon Mollie Moon's name while researching another project, leading her to uncover a remarkable story that had been forgotten. Her book, Mollie Moon and the Glamour, Money and Power Behind the Civil Rights Movement tells of Moon's glamorous parties in New York City, which attracted notable figures like Billie Holiday and Josephine Baker, as well as wealthy white donors and Black elites. They were a significant source of funds for the civil rights movement, however, Moon faced criticism from activists who were skeptical about accepting money from rich white liberals, fearing it might divert the movement's focus away from issues that mattered to African Americans.

Mollie Moon's signature event, the Beaux Arts Ball, was a glamorous affair that brought together a diverse crowd, from working-class Black individuals to titans of industry, such as the Rockefeller family and Billie Holiday. These parties highlighted broad support for the civil rights movement.

The National Urban League, with Mollie Moon's involvement, funded a wide range of initiatives, including voter registration drives, the March on Washington, Black youth programs, and support for journalists. Moon's background in pharmacy and her dream of becoming a biology teacher led to investments in STEM education for Black youth, making a significant impact on racial equality and community building.

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