By Williamena Kwapo | OBSERVER Staff Writer

Sacramento welcomed more than 300 vibrant women June 26-29 for the 59th annual national convention of Carrousels Inc., a unique and distinguished social organization of African American women who gather for one powerful reason: fun.

The Carrousels began in Columbus, Ohio in 1956 when a group of young mothers sought to build community and lasting friendship. What started as casual gatherings in the Eastgate neighborhood has since blossomed into a national sisterhood with 25 chapters. The group was founded by Glenna Watson and the late Betty Brewer. Now 94, Watson attended this year’s convention and was celebrated throughout for her vision and vitality.

The past national presidents for Carrousels Inc. gather around founding member Glenna Watson, 94, during the gala at the Sheraton Grand. Russell Stiger Jr. OBSERVER
The past national presidents for Carrousels Inc. gather around founding member Glenna Watson, 94, during the gala at the Sheraton Grand. Russell Stiger Jr. OBSERVER

“We meet just for fun – no work to be done have we!” is the group’s proudly proclaimed motto. It’s a guiding principle that has kept the Carrousels grounded in joy and connection for nearly seven decades.

The Carrousels brought their signature sparkle to California’s capital city. Hosted by the Sacramento chapter, which was established in 2016 by Barbara Ross and Susan Andrews Blanchett and is led by chapter President Robbin Welch.

“We’re all at the age now that we contributed to the community, contributed to raising kids, committed to our churches, committed to our family, but we want the social,” Ross said of her motivation to help establish the Sacramento chapter.

Carrousels Inc. National President Venetta Armstrong, front center, with her Houston chapter at a dinner at the Elks Tower during the Carrousels 59th national convention. Louis Bryant III OBSERVER
Carrousels Inc. National President Venetta Armstrong, front center, with her Houston chapter at a dinner at the Elks Tower during the Carrousels 59th national convention. Louis Bryant III OBSERVER

This year’s convention carried the theme “Living Life Like It’s Golden.”

And golden it was.

The convention featured a citywide celebration that showcased the Carrousels’ legacy and Sacramento’s rich cultural offerings. It kicked off at the historic California Railroad Museum, where “boots on the ground” dancers brought Wild West energy to life. Later in the weekend, members dressed to impress for a formal gala themed “Golden Glitz and Glitter,” honoring the elegance, sisterhood, and enduring spirit of the organization.

Though the Carrousels gather purely for joy and steer clear of politics, religion, or policy, their presence speaks volumes. During a luncheon, the organization donated to Mollie’s House, a local nonprofit founded by a Black woman that serves young survivors of sex trafficking.

Carrousels from the Sacramento chapter dance to “Pretty Girls” to open the evening of dancing, casino games, and food at the “Wild, Wild West & Boots on the Ground” evening event at the California Railroad Museum. Louis Bryant III OBSERVER
Carrousels from the Sacramento chapter dance to “Pretty Girls” to open the evening of dancing, casino games, and food at the “Wild, Wild West & Boots on the Ground” evening event at the California Railroad Museum. Louis Bryant III OBSERVER

With an average member age of 70, they still keep up with changing times. Included in the convention was a session focused on the age of AI and learning to use the technology.

The convention also focused on educating guests about Sacramento, with featured historians speaking of the city’s past, present, and possible future. “Many of the guests had never been to Sacramento,” Ross said. “So we set out time to tell our story. They were just totally surprised, and many have said they want to return.”

The next time the Carrousels convention returns to Sacramento? Not until 2049.