During the Progressive Era, many Black women organized to address social problems within the Black community. Women’s groups, like the National Association of Colored Women (NACW), became a space to discuss what the future should look like for Black people and Black women. During this period, African American women involved in the NACW coined the motto “Lifting As We Climb,” which refers to, and honors, the effort to to climb above the stereotypes about African Americans--focusing on African American women--that existed during this time period. This motto encouraged more privileged, educated Black women to work to “lift” their own status as leaders in their community which would in turn elevate the status of all women--but specifically those most deeply affected by the horrors of Jim Crow who had little or no access to resources. One such leader was the organization’s first president, Mary Church Terrell.