Top Ladies of Distinction

Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. was founded in 1964 as an African American women's group dedicated to addressing issues faced by youth in their communities. The focus later expanded to include women and senior citizens, as well as a variety of community partnerships. The associated youth organization is known as the Top Teens of America. The St. Louis chapter was organized in 1973, largely through the efforts of Dr. Fredda (Crawford) Witherspoon.

Dr. Fredda (Crawford) Witherspoon

Dr. Witherspoon (1918-1996) was an activist, educator, and civic leader. She was a lifetime member of the NAACP and served on its board. In 1959, along with Margaret Bush Wilson, she organized a revitalized NAACP Youth Council that assumed leading roles in protests against segregation in public accommodations. She was the founder and organizer of many organizations including the Coalition of 100 Black Women, the Top Ladies of Distinction, The National Barristers Wives, and Gateway Chapter of the Links, including many others. She was the first African American woman to head the YWCA and in 1971 was named a Globe-Democrat woman of achievement. Dr. Witherspoon served on numerous boards and won many accolades during her career.

She married noted civil rights attorney Robert L. Witherspoon (1902-1991) and had two children, Robert L. Witherspoon Jr. and Dr. Vanita Witherspoon Nicholas. The Witherspoons resided for many years at 20 Lewis Place. They were among the first African American families to integrate the private place after World War II, striking an early blow at restrictive covenants and residential segregation.

Dr. Witherspoon died August 14, 1996, in St. Louis