Member Spotlight: Dr. Christine Warren Shares the Legacy of Dr. Anna Julia Cooper

A Journey of Resilience, Excellence, and Global Impact

At our recent club meeting, we were honored to have a truly moving presentation by our very own Dr. Christine Warren. She brought to life the extraordinary story of Dr. Anna Julia Haywood Cooper, a woman whose life journey serves as a powerful reminder of the Rotary spirit of perseverance and service.

Breaking Barriers from the Start

Born into slavery in 1858, Dr. Cooper defied every racial and gender barrier of her time to become a titan of education and civil rights. Her achievements were not just remarkable for her era—they remain awe-inspiring today:

* 📚 Academic Powerhouse: Despite systemic obstacles, she excelled in Mathematics and Latin, proving her intellectual prowess early on.

* 🌍 Global Achievement at 65: At an age when many are looking toward retirement, Dr. Cooper earned her PhD in History from the University of Paris (Sorbonne).

* ⚖️ A Voice for Change: She was a fierce advocate for the education of Black women, famously challenging societal norms and fighting for equal rights.

A Quote for the Ages: The Passport Connection

Perhaps the most surprising fact Dr. Warren shared is that Dr. Cooper’s legacy travels with millions of Americans every day. If you open a United States Passport to the very last page, you will find her words. She is the only woman—and the only Black woman—featured in the passport with this powerful quote:

"The cause of freedom is not the cause of a race or a sex, a party or a class — it is the cause of humankind, the very birthright of humanity."

Inspiration for Our Community

Dr. Cooper’s legacy reminds us that it is never too late to pursue our dreams or to stand up for what is right. We are incredibly proud to have members like Dr. Warren who keep these vital histories alive and inspire our club to continue our mission of Service Above Self.

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Celebrating Love & Service: Paul Harris Honors and a Sweet Valentine’s Dinner! ❤️🏆

Wednesday night we gave out Paul Harris awards to three people who could not be in attendance at the ceremony the previous week. We also had a very nice Valentine’s Day dinner. 

February shoe collection for Soles4Souls.

Every pair tells a story.

The Camden-Wyoming Rotary Club is proud to announce our Soles4Souls collection drive by our members this February! We are collecting new and gently used shoes to help those in need worldwide.

A simple pair of shoes can provide health, hope, and even the opportunity for a child to attend school.

Dates: All through February

Volunteering at the Food Bank

People of Action:

Tackling Hunger in Central Delaware

Did you know that 1 in 8 adults and 1 in 6 children in Delaware face food insecurity? That’s over 135,000 of our neighbors—including 35,000 children—who aren't sure where their next meal is coming from.

At the Camden-Wyoming Rotary Satellite Club at Noble's Pond we believe in "Service Above Self." Today, our members headed to the Food Bank of Delaware in Milford to turn that motto into movement!

Today's Impact:

• The Mission: Sorting and packing donated food for local families.

• The Result: Our team packed over 200 boxes!

• The Reach: These essentials will be delivered to families across the state this week.

Every box represents more than just food; it represents hope and the power of a community that shows up for one another. Rotarians are People of Action, and we are proud to support the Food Bank of Delaware's incredible work.

Want to make a difference with us? Join us at an upcoming meeting!

Camden-Wyoming Rotary Club Members Become 'People of Action' to Deliver 650 Dictionaries to Caesar Rodney 3rd Graders

The Camden-Wyoming Rotary Club proves, once again, that we are truly People of Action!

Our meeting this past Wednesday, November 12th, was dedicated to one of our most meaningful annual projects: the dictionary distribution. Club members gathered with enthusiasm and purpose to meticulously prepare 650 brand-new dictionaries. Each one was proudly affixed with a Rotary International sticker, signifying our commitment to education.

These dictionaries are now ready to be personally delivered to 3rd-grader students at the following schools in the Caesar Rodney School District: W Reily Brown Elementary, Star Hill Elementary, Allan Frear Elementary, David E Robinson Elementary, Welch, Nellie Stokes, W.B. Simpson elementary. We believe that investing in literacy is the most profound investment we can make in the future.

#RotaryPeopleOfAction #serviceaboveself #rotaryinternational #CommunityServiceProject #readingispower #rotarydistrict7630

District Governor Dale Kerns Visits Camden-Wyoming Rotary, Highlights Key Initiatives

The Camden-Wyoming Rotary Club had a wonderful meeting on November 5th with the visit of our District Governor Dale Kerns and the ADG Mark Henry Clark. Dale delivered an inspiring talk highlighting food insecurity, the importance of strong public image, and the 10-1-1 initiative.

Camden-Wyoming Rotary Satellite Club's "Little Free Library" Project Promotes Reading and Sharing in Cheswold

The dedication ceremony for the newly installed Library in front of the Cheswold Town Hall and Police Station was a heartfelt gathering that celebrated community spirit, literacy, and the values of sharing. This initiative, led by the Camden-Wyoming Rotary’s Satellite Club, brought together residents and club members to mark the opening of the “take a book - leave a book” library, which will serve as a resource for all Cheswold community residents.

The ceremony took place outdoors, with the newly constructed and brightly painted Library standing proudly at its location in front of the Town Hall and Police Station. The atmosphere was a sense of excitement about the positive impact the library will have on the neighborhood.

Darlene Carnochan, the club’s Chair from the Camden-Wyoming Rotary Satellite Club opened the event by expressing gratitude to everyone involved in the project, including members who helped build and install the library. The club’s mission of service and community improvement emphasized how this library will promote literacy and lifelong learning in Cheswold.

A plaque on the library acknowledged the Rotary’s role in its construction and ongoing maintenance.

The first books were placed in the library, symbolizing the beginning of the “take a book - leave a book” tradition. Children and adults alike participated, taking books home and donating others. This interactive moment underscored the library’s role as a living, evolving collection, sustained by the generosity of Cheswold residents and Rotary members.

The club assured the community that the Camden-Wyoming Rotary Satellite Club would continue to support the library, ensuring it remains stocked with books and well-maintained. Over time, the club and local donors will contribute additional books, keeping the selection fresh and relevant for all ages.

The club encourages neighbors to participate and make plans to contribute books. The event not only marked the opening of a new resource but also strengthened the bonds within the Cheswold community.

This dedication ceremony was more than a celebration, it was a testament to the power of local collaboration and the enduring importance of literacy. Through the efforts of the Camden-Wyoming Rotary Satellite Club and the support of Cheswold’s residents, the new library promises to enrich lives for years to come.