WINDSOR HILLS : Women Form Investment Club--for Empowerment

Barbara Bramwell-Hutchinson was determined to conquer her fear of the unknown.

To do that, she started arming herself with books and information, but not about spiritual enlightenment or self-discovery. The Windsor Hills resident decided to demystify the stock market for herself and a group of African American women who had long been interested in investing but didn’t know how--or where--to begin.

A year after launching the Femmes de Fortune Investment Club, the group of seven is well-versed in financial lingo, has steadily accumulated capital and has purchased stock in two companies.

The group welcomes black women who want to invest but lack a vehicle to do so.

It’s a position Bramwell-Hutchinson understands. “None of us are financial wizards or anything, but all of us were thinking about the future and wanted to do something long-term,” she said of the group. “And I’ve always believed that women should have their own money, even if they’re married.”

Bramwell-Hutchinson, who has owned Middle Passage Press, a publishing company, since 1985, said she was inspired after reading an article in a business journal about a group of female investors who called themselves the Million Dollar Club.

Many women Bramwell-Hutchinson contacted expressed interest in joining the effort, which required monthly fees of $40 for club dues and capital pooling. After the dust settled and some members dropped out because of time and financial constraints, the core group numbered seven.

Dubbing themselves the Femmes of Fortune, the women got busy: Each one researched a company for potential investment, and the group formalized the partnership by obtaining a business license and membership in the National Assn. of Investment Companies, an umbrella organization for business and investment clubs.

They enlisted the aid of a stockbroker for investment in the companies they settled on, McDonald’s and International Telephone & Telegraph.

Bramwell-Hutchinson said that being a business partner, writing by-laws and sharing decision-making about stock purchases has been an empowering experience.

They also agreed to remain strictly African American. “All women need to empower themselves financially, but black women in particular,” Bramwell-Hutchinson said.

On Jan. 26, the club is holding a 7 p.m. anniversary and open house at Bramwell-Hutchinson’s home. Guest speakers include a representative from the National Assn. of Investment Clubs.

Information: (213) 296-6331.