Draft:Departmental Progressive Club

The Departmental Progressive Club is a historically significant black-membership social club. It is currently located in the Southwest Quadrant of Alexandria, Virginia at 411 Gibbon Street.

History
The club was founded in 1927 by employees of the federal government of the United States "When the club first began, it was located a block away from its current building." Land for its current home was purchased in 1955. The Departmental Progressive Club building is situated in a neighbourhood that was known as The Bottoms, and it is adjacent to Hayti. It is Alexandria's oldest private social club.

Due to racial segregation Black Americans faced numerous hardships in life, including discrimination in joining existing social clubs. In Virginia, the Public Assemblages Act was passed into law in 1926, which literally left black people out in the cold. Local progressive clubs were organised to advance African - American interests, provide a relaxing venue, and connect citizens. This Departmental Progressive Club was founded to "to provide wholesome recreation for its membership and support to other community groups concerned with improving the general welfare of Alexandria." Possibilities, passing the time, and politics were the crossroads of the club.

Alexandria's Departmental Progressive Club was founded by Jesse Carter, Lawrence Day, Raymond Green, Clarence Greene, Booker T. Harper, Jesse Pollard, and Samuel Reynolds. The Club's song is the Baptist Hymn "In the Garden."

Philanthropy
The Club's impact on the local community include a strong relationship with the NAACP to help to ensure equity. It regularly partners with Carpenter's Shelter as well as the Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority. The Boys and Girls Club, Red Cross, and Firefighters and Friends to the Rescue have also benefited.