[Photo: Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer] El Dorado Social Club located in Houston’s 3rd Ward celebrates 100 years since its founding in 1925. The El Dorado Social Club has been an important part of the community, bringing people together through friendship, service, and cultural pride. What started as a small group of high school students in 1925 has grown into a lasting club that continues to make a difference today. The club began when a group of students at Houston’s Colored High School (now Booker T. Washington High School) were inspired by a poem called El Dorado by Edgar Allan Poe. The poem tells the story of a knight searching for a legendary city of gold, which became a symbol for the students’ own dreams of success and achievement. They decided to create a club that would encourage each other to work hard, stay connected, and serve their community. Their motto, “Searching for El Dorado,” reflected their desire to always strive for something greater. In the early years, the club was mostly a social group, bringing young people together for dances, gatherings, and discussions. But as time went on, its purpose expanded. The members started focusing on community service, education, and preserving Black culture and history. They helped support students, and created a network where members could rely on one another. Through segregation and the Civil Rights Movement, the El Dorado Social Club remained strong. At a time when opportunities for Black Houstonians were limited, the club provided a space where people could celebrate their achievements, support each other, and work toward a better future. It became more than just a club; it became a family. Over the decades, generations of Houstonians have joined the El Dorado Social Club, keeping its traditions alive while also evolving with the times. As the club celebrates its 100th anniversary, it continues to bring people together, honor its history, and uplift the community. While much has changed since 1925, the heart of the club remains the same: friendship, service, and a commitment to excellence. Reaching 100 years is a huge achievement, […]

The post 100 Years of El Dorado Social Club appeared first on African American News and Issues.