Ladies of Vital Essence (L.O.V.E) records

Collection

Identifier: MSS 417

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Ladies of Vital Essence (L.O.V.E.) records, 1982-1986, includes one certificate awarded upon iniitiation in the group, as well as one wooden board with a L.O.V.E. chant inscribed.

Dates

Creation: 1982-1986

Creator

Augustana College (Rock Island, Ill.). Ladies of Vital Essence (L.O.V.E.) (Organization)

Conditions Governing Access

There are no restrictions on the use of this collection.

Conditions Governing Use

Unpublished manuscripts are protected by copyright. Permission to publish, quote, or reproduce must be secured from Augustana College Special Collections and the copyright holder.

Biographical / Historical

Ladies of Vital Essence (L.O.V.E.) was founded in 1981 by a group of Black women looking to remedy a divide between upper and lower campus residence halls. Inviting other women residents to meet and get to know one another, the meeting resulted in the founding of L.O.V.E. A 1982 Observer interview with group leaders designated the group as “a social and service group interested in developing spiritual, cultural, and leadership awareness.” The interview notes that LOVE was intended as a space for Black women students, but then-secretary Cynthia Jones stated that the group did not seek to “exclude anyone who is really sincere about being in L.O.V.E., no matter what color or religion they are.” In addition to their promotion of positive relationships on campus, the group partners with community organizations for service events.