About Us
Over 100 years of Caribbean heritage in Michigan
Our History
West Indian immigrants came to Detroit in a comparatively small but continual stream during the interwar years (Between World War I and II). By 1930, immigrants from the Caribbean had settled in Michigan and comprised roughly 1.9 percent of the African American population.
To fill the need of loneliness, homesickness, to hear and dance to the sounds of calypso and reggae music, to play cricket, soccer and eat the sumptuous array of spicy dishes from our homeland, we were forced to focus on ethnic identity. This led to the formation of an organization in the Detroit Metropolitan area in the 1920s called variously the West Indian Social League, the Michigan Cricket Club and currently, the West Indian American Association (WIAA reorganized in 1969) and West Indian American Association of Michigan Inc. (WIAAM) a 501(c)(3) organization; formed in 2008.
Based on its inception in 1920, the Association celebrated its 100 years of existence in the Detroit Metropolitan area. The Association currently owns a Building (Its Headquarter) at 2015 East Seven Mile Road in the city of Detroit. This building houses a Rental Hall and a Club Room for the use of its members. In 1969 the Association hosted its first Banquet, leading to the historic milestone celebration of its 50th Scholarship and Recognition Awards Anniversary Banquet in November, 2019. Each year Scholarship Awards are presented to high school graduates pursuing postsecondary education. We also proudly showcase some of our Past Scholarship Recipients — College graduates who serve as Keynote speakers, MC's etc. at our banquets, and are employed in an array of professional institutions globally.
We continue our mission of:
Fostering cultural exchanges between the people of the Caribbean and the United States of America, especially those in South East Michigan
Developing, coordinating and implementing programs that promote the educational, social and economic standards of its members
Providing annual scholarships to students attending institutions of higher learning
Serving the community at large through various charitable organizations including the Red Cross, hosting Annual Health Fairs including Mental Health, Community Giveaways etc.
Additionally, "The Club" (WIAA) as it is affectionately called serves as a place that provides an ambiance for camaraderie, entertainment, and friendship for its members and supporters.
FRONT ROW: LEFT TO RIGHT
Mrs. Deserene Clarke – Corresponding Secretary • Ms. Marie Robinson – Parliamentarian • Mrs. Maeve Cook – Recording Secretary • Ms. Veita Dennis – President • Mrs. Marcia Foster – Financial Secretary • Ms. Theresa Lewis – Board Member • Mrs. Michelle Lawrence – Board Member
MIDDLE ROW: LEFT TO RIGHT
Mr. Dave Gilead – Entertainment Chairperson • Mr. Valentine Samuels – Treasurer • Mr. Winston Burke – Board Member • Bishop Leonard Clarke – Board Member & Chaplain • Mr. Richard Williams – Vice President
BACK ROW: LEFT TO RIGHT
Mr. Anthony Reynolds – Building Manager • Mrs. Winfred Gayle – Ladies Auxilliary President • Mrs. Sonya Harris – Board Member
Current Executive Board Members
Board Members
Mrs. Sonya Harris • Mrs. Deserene Clarke • Ms. Theresa Lewis • Bishop Leonard Clarke
West Indian American Association: An Invitation for Membership
All persons of good character are eligible for membership.
Benefits
Please fill out our contact form or use the other means of contact options on that page to become an official member of the WIAA.