About Us
The Sunlight Club was formed in 1910 as the first African-American women's organization in the community dedicated to performing charitable acts for fellow citizens.
The late Marion Birnie Wilkinson, wife of former South Carolina State University president Robert Shaw Wilkinson, was founder and president of the club, which has maintained a faithful commitment to its theme, "Lifting As We Climb."
The Sunlight Club has built its legacy on three tenants of service.
Affiliations and Memberships
Who We Are
Our Vision
We envision a community where all people, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, or age, have the opportunity to thrive. We believe that everyone deserves to live in a safe and just environment where they have access to the resources they need to reach their full potential.
Our Mission
Our mission is to improve the lives of people in our community by providing programming, resources, and support. We focus on opportunities for Blacks and those of African descent, youth, and women, but we serve all people in need. We are committed to building relationships, promoting equality, and protecting the rights of all people.
Our Work
We work for the betterment of the community through programming and by providing resources
- Create opportunities for growth to help raise standards and quality of life.
- Build relationships and work to help ensure equality, protection of rights, and justice among all people.
- Provide resources to those in need.
- Provide awareness and education.
- Support the mission and work of the national, regional, and State organizations.
We are deliberate in our focus on opportunities for Blacks and those of African descent, youth, and women.
IMPACTING LIVES
"The club is about service, ..."
"Mrs. Wilkinson wanted a club in every city of South Carolina. It was to uplift people because, like it is now, people need help. She brought people together, organized them and began her program."
Back when the club was organized, there was not a community service club for Blacks to help Blacks; so it was the first club in Orangeburg that African-Americans organized to help African-Americans...."
Geraldyne Zimmerman
(1911 - 2011)