Autier Allen-Craft, the first African American member of the CTDAR, will be inducted as the Norwalk-Village Green Chapter Regent of the CTDAR on Saturday, May 4 at the Norwalk Inn and Conference Center.
Autier is the second African American to become Regent in Connecticut. Autier Allen-Craft and Gloria Williams are the only two African American women members of the Daughters of the American Revolution in the State of Connecticut.
Autier’s two children, Jaylen & Aren Craft belong to the Captain Stephen Betts Society of the C.A.R. They are the first African American members in the State of Connecticut. Autier was recently elected to the position of South Western District Director for the State of Connecticut for the CTDAR.
While serving as Norwalk-Village Green Chapter's Vice Regent, Autier has had the opportunity to work with Pat Rubino, the outgoing Regent, for the past two years. As the new Regent, Autier is looking forward to growing the chapter’s membership and working with fellow African American women to research their ancestry.
When asked about the process, Autier said “There are many African American women who are not aware that they have patriot ancestors. An estimated 5,000 black soldiers fought on the patriot side during the Revolutionary War. Their female ancestors are entitled to become members of the CTDAR. My goal is to assist African Americans, as well as any other resident of Norwalk who believes she is a descendant, become a member. Our Registrar will help compile the research material and submit the required paperwork needed to become members of the Norwalk-Village Green Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. We welcome all inquiries.”
The Norwalk-Village Green Chapter was organized on December 16, 1892. The society is composed of those women who can trace their lineage back to one or more of the Revolutionary patriots. In keeping with their focus on history, education and patriotism, the Norwalk Chapter of the NSDAR was responsible for erecting many of the historical markers and monuments commemorating the history of Norwalk.
