The Order of Calanthe
, originally titled the Independent Order of Calanthe
, is a fraternal benefit society for African American women. It was established in Louisiana in 1883 as an auxiliary to the
Knights of Pythias of North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia. Its purpose was promoting "the social, intellectual, and moral welfare of its members and the community at large".
Courts The Grand Court of Florida was established in 1887. By 1888, there were 33 courts in the United States. The Grand Court Order of Calanthe of Texas, established on May 30, 1897, was a highly successful branch and is commemorated with a historical marker.
Susie H. Norris, who helped organize the Grand Court of Texas, was elected the first Grand Worthy Counsellor of the organization and served from 1898 to 1902. In 1902,
America D. Key led the organization until 1925 and dramatically expanded the organization making it one of the largest Grand Courts in the United States. An office building for the group was built at 2411 Dowling Street in Houston, Texas. The organization has been sued over benefits. In 2018, the Texas court became the Calanthe Historical Society. The Grand Court of Calanthe, Jurisdiction of Michigan, was founded in September 1922 in Detroit, Michigan with
Anna T. Hyde as the first Grand Worthy Counsellor. During the 1920s, Texas grew to become one of the largest courts in the United States. However, many fraternal and benefit societies struggled to survive the
Great Depression. == Symbols ==