The Royal Vagabonds, Inc. is a Gentleman’s Club composed primarily of successful professional Black men who have banded together to share social activities that are of mutual interest and to leverage their philanthropic activities in the community.
The History of Royal Vagabond, Inc.
The Royal Vagabond Club, Inc. was established in 1925 as an Afro-American Men’s Social Club for Greater Cleveland’s outstanding professional men. The founders desired to establish a social club for prestigious African American men and their wives who were for formal occasions excluded from white counterparts. The club was founded by noted black doctors, lawyers, politicians, and businessmen. The longevity of the club attests to the fact that the members have enjoyed each other throughout the years of existence.
The Royal Vagabond Club is the oldest Afro-American Male Social Club in the Greater Cleveland area. Over the years, the club’s membership has included many outstanding business, political and professional men. The wives’ auxiliary club is known as the Vagettes.
The mission of the club is strictly social. However, it is expected that the members be involved in various civic, political, and professional organizations. The members have traveled together to many cities and countries and participated in numerous social events. Each year, the members participate in a black cultural outing in February and enjoy a day at the race track during the summer. For the past two summers, the club has sponsored a cocktail party for members and selected guests. Each member is expected to host a meeting where the members fellowship with one another and enjoy delicious food and drink.
The most significant activity of the club is the annual New Year’s Eve Dance held at the LaMalfa Party Center in Mentor, Ohio. The strictly formal dance is an invitation-only event. The guest enjoys a live band, assorted hors d’oeuvers, dinner, an open bar, breakfast, and a well-stocked hospitality suite.
