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El Katif Court No. 115, founded on August 20, 1949, under the auspices of the Imperial Court, Daughters of Imperial, embodies the motto "Excellence in Sisterhood." It was established on principles of awareness, education, community service, and sisterhood, earning the affectionate title 'Island Girls' for its location on Galveston Island in the Texas desert. Over the decades, El Katif Court actively engaged in community service projects, including support for the Yeager Home for Children, Women’s Crisis Center, and Gulf Coast Nursing Home. They hosted events such as Easter Egg Hunts, Crawfish Boils, and Prayer Breakfasts, alongside distributing annual scholarships to local high school students.

 

Galveston, renowned as the birthplace of Juneteenth, witnessed El Katif Court's enthusiastic participation in this celebration of emancipation for enslaved African Americans. The Court played a pivotal role in restoring the Old Central Cultural Center, Texas's first African American high school, built in 1954. In 1969, El Katif Court received recognition for its 24-year sponsorship of 'Negro History, A Foundation for Integration,' featuring exhibits, book discussions, and culinary delights.

 

In the past decade, El Katif Court maintained strong community ties through valuable services at various non-profit organizations, including the Nia Cultural Center, Resource and Crisis Center, United Way Galveston, Galveston Historical Foundation, and Galveston Island Humane Society. Presently, they endeavor to rebuild membership and bolster resources to continue their legacy of service.

 

Esteemed pioneers such as PC Dorothy Boyd, PC Beverly Jackson-Brown, PC Ruby Mitchell, PC Linda Foreman, PC Kirlew Matthie, Dt Martha Bogan, Dt Annette Roberts, and Dt Margaret Scurry have sustained El Katif Court's mission over the years. Members remain dedicated to upholding the legacy of service that began 75 years ago in the Galveston community, guided by the motto "Excellence in Sisterhood."

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