Black Cat Social Club
This aged photo captures members of Charlotte's
former Black Cat Social Club and their wives at an
annual Christmas dance in 1950. The Black Cat Social
Club was an African-American men's club structured
similarly to the Socialistic Dukes Club, a prominent
social and civic club for African-American men in the
first half of the 20th century.
The Black Cat Social Club was formed in 1925, and the
logo was, fittingly, a black cat with an arched back and
a perched tail.
These community clubs often held formal events during
the holidays, where spouses were invited and couples
were serenaded by great bands and contemporary
musicians. But the club's primary goal was to undertake
charitable and civic activities. Such clubs were popular
in the African-American community during this time,
and their prominence continues today.
RETRO charlotte
By Abby Blanton
PHOTO COURTESY OF ROBINSON-SPANGLER CAROLINA ROOM-CHARLOTTE MECKLENBURG LIBRARY
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