Nacirema Club

The Nacirema Club is a two-story brick building with an ornate ballroom, dining room, and spacious lobby designed in American Foursquare style. The interior layout supports hosting various events and gatherings in its distinct architectural spaces.

The club was founded in 1922 by Raymond H. Menard and Julian Archer as Michigan's first social club established by and for Black members. Its creation marked an important moment in building independent Black institutions in the region.

The club served as a gathering place for successful Black businesspeople and professionals seeking community away from the segregated city around them. Here members built their own networks and social connections in a protected space.

The building is located in northeast Detroit and is accessible to visitors interested in viewing the historic spaces and event facilities. Tours and site information are typically available by arrangement.

The name Nacirema is American spelled backwards, a deliberate choice by the founders to assert their members' full belonging to American society. This symbolic naming expressed dignity and claimed equal standing in a nation that denied them these rights.

Location: Detroit

GPS coordinates: 42.34972,-83.11611

Latest update: December 14, 2025 16:40