Westside Mothers Records

Accession Number: 
UR002384
Use restriction: 
Researchers must sign a restricted use statement. No names or other personal information found in the records may be used.
Extent: 
7.5 linear feet (6 SB, 1 MB, 1 OS)

Westside Mothers is a welfare rights organization located in Detroit, Michigan. It was founded by its coordinator, Selma Goode, in December 1965, and advocates for people who receive public assistance, such as food stamps, Medicaid, childcare, Supplemental Security Income, and disability. Westside Mothers works with various local, state, and national welfare rights organizations to aid welfare recipients in receiving sufficient benefits and in protecting their civil liberties. The organization holds meetings, organizes rallies, contacts legislators, and provides legal defense at court hearings in its efforts to protect the rights of welfare recipients in Detroit and Michigan.

The Westside Mothers Records collection contains material related to the Westside Mothers and affiliated welfare rights organizations, such as the Michigan Welfare Rights Organization (MWRO) and the National Welfare Rights Organization (NWRO). Material included in the collection consists mostly of paper records documenting the administrative functions of the Westside Mothers, MWRO, and NWRO, including meetings, rallies, conferences, special committees, and legal efforts. Also included are correspondence between Selma Goode and various welfare rights organizations, religious and community organizations, and government agencies. The collection also contains some photographic prints and ephemera.

Date: 
1967-2005, bulk 1970s
Attachment(click to download)
UR002384.pdfUR002384_guide.pdf154.38 KB