In 1939 there existed in East Providence, R.I. a Cape Verdean Men’s Social Club. Although wives of the members were allowed to attend their social gatherings however they were excluded from the membership.

In 1940 the wives and other women in the Cape Verdean Community, numbering twenty six, recognized the need for a club of their own.  They decided to organize and founded the Cape Verdean Women’s Club.  Although the idea of a women’s club was generally unheard of during that time, these Cape Verdean women were determined to succeed.  They held monthly meetings at each other’s homes, planned, and sponsored many successful programs, and deposited the profits with the goal of raising enough funds to buy or build a meeting place.

On October 30, 1944, in their serious effort to succeed as an organization, they incorporated under the new name of The Cape Verdean Women’s American Progressive Club.

In 1950 a Cape Verdean businessman, who had been following the progress of these ladies, admiring their foresight and spirit, donated a plot of undeveloped land in East Providence to those ladies to further encourage them.  That man, who later became the first life-long honorary member of our organization, was Ambrose C. Mendes.

The women took the challenge and embarked on a serious and active campaign.  They went from door to door in the community to solicit donations.  They sponsored even more fundraisers.  In their desire to realize their dream they set out to convince the men’s club to join with them.  The men, reluctant at first, finally gave in and joined the ladies in 1951.

At that time, a neighborhood club had closed and its liquor license was renewed and retained by Peter J. Coelho.  The ladies were made aware of this and invited Mr. Coelho to attend their next meeting.  A critical turning point was reached at that meeting.  The organization voted to accept the license, to launch an extensive membership drive, to embark immediately on a building program, and to change the organization’s name to the Cape Verdean Progressive Center.

Shortly after, with the combined efforts of the men and women, construction of a 24 ft. x 30 ft. building began in 1952 and was completed late in the year.  A New Year’s Eve celebration ushering in 1953 was held in the new building.  With continued determination to expand and the membership now totaling almost 300 members, a successful Building Fund Campaign was launched at the East Providence High School on May 16, 1954.  As a result, a 45 ft. x 60 ft. addition was constructed in 1955 and dedicated at a 3-day celebration on February 24, 25, and 26, in 1956.  As the years progressed, the founders realized they could no longer cope with the rigors of administration and handed down the duties to their children.

In 1964, under the guidance of Aliz Braz, they established The Founders Guild of the Cape Verdean Progressive Center.  Several improvement and renovation programs occurred during subsequent administrations.  Today, the center and its solid organization stands as a lasting tribute to the strength and foresight of the twenty-six extraordinary founders.