Five decades ago, the founding members of the Yazoo Hometowners Club had a vision to create an organization dedicated to fellowship and guidance for themselves and future generations. From its humble beginnings, the local club has grown with its reach spanning all over the country. But its goal remains steady…to promote Yazoo City and her people.
The Yazoo Hometowners was originally called the Yazoo City Brothers Club of Chicago. Late in 1972, while attending a fellow Yazooan’s funeral, a group of men decided to form a club that would get together during happier times.
On Sept. 9, 1972, the Yazoo City Brothers Club of Chicago was born, celebrating their first event with fellowship and memories of their hometown.
The organization began with chapters in Chicago, Warren, Ohio, Los Angeles, New York City, Detroit, St. Louis and Yazoo City. Each year a different chapter would host the annual gathering. Since the original club was for men only, in 1975 the Yazoo City Sisters Club of Chicago was formed. Later that year, the clubs combined, forming the Yazoo Hometowners Club. The first Yazoo Day was held in Yazoo City in 1975.
There is also a National Chapter comprised of delegates from each chapter. John Meeks is the national president with Joffre Washington serving as the Yazoo City chapter president. As of 2022, only the Chicago and Yazoo City chapters remain operational.
Washington said there are currently about 12 members within the local chapter. Roots run deep for Washington, with many of his family members serving within the club over the years.
"This organization means a lot to me because it's a part of my family's legacy," said Washington, "My grandfather (H.A. Scott, Sr) was the first National President. My mom (Juanita Washington) was a member, and my aunt Brenda (Smith) is a current member.”
Washington said he can vividly recalls attending many of the club’s annual events as a child. Not only did he admit to having fun, but he also learned of the bond shared between many Yazooans through its service projects and fellowship.
“Some of my fondest childhood memories are loading the bus at the Community Center and going to Yazoo Day in Chicago,” he said. “Those bus rides were so much fun. Playing cards, listening to music and just being around family and friends are memories I'll have forever.”
The club’s main event is the annual Yazoo Day.
"It's ironic that the club and annual event were formed because of attendance at such a sorrowful event, a funeral,” Washington said. “The event is now synonymous with fun, family and good times. People look forward to it every year."
The club did not hold the annual event for about two years due to the pandemic. But the popular event returned this year, and organizers are excited to continue the tradition moving forward.
“This year we were late planning and were unable to have it on the Fourth of July weekend as we always do, but we didn't want another year to go by without doing something,” Washington said. “So instead the normal three-day event, we reduced it to two days. But we still had the basics. Our meet and greet social was well attended, and the party the following night was a hit. Moving forward we can get back to doing things as normal and continue the tradition that has been set."
For 50 years, the club has focused its attention on giving back to the community and promoting a sense of friendship among its members. And although Washington looks back on his times with the club as a young man with fond memories, he knows he is carrying on the tradition for future generations.
“One of the reasons I joined when I was old enough to join was so that I could bring those same good times to the next generation,” he said. “Experiences like that are things that we need for the young and old in our community. The type of togetherness it brings can only make our community better."
