TNN’s Trevor Lindsay spoke with Kwame Steede, President of the Devonshire Recreation Club, as the organization prepares to mark a major milestone—its 80th anniversary.
“It’s our 80th year,” Kwame begins with pride. “I’m happy to be a part of it—or even to be at the helm. It’s a special year for us. Eighty years is a long time, and I want to give thanks to the forefathers. If it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t be here.”
In honor of this historic occasion, the club is rolling out a week of events leading up to the official celebration on June 1st. Festivities kick off on May 25th with a community barbecue that’s free to attend. “We’ll have vendors—those aren’t free—but the event is,” he laughs. “There’ll be live entertainment, tents, barbecues, and coolers. I not saying bring your whole liquor cabinet, but you can bring a little cooler and enjoy yourself.”
Following that, the club will open a museum-style exhibit within its halls. “It’ll display the history of the club—football, cricket, netball, softball—everything we’ve done or been involved in over the years. It’s going to be like walking through time.”
Later in the week, the club is planning a community fair—a return to an event once held by the Rec many years ago. “We kept it close to the chest, but we’re trying to bring that back and make it an annual thing.”
On Wednesday Night, a mega bingo is scheduled, featuring over $5,000 in prizes, including a $4,000 jackpot and an additional $1,000 game. “It’s gonna be big,” Kwame promises.
As the weekend approaches, the club hopes to host Central County again—a long-anticipated return. “We’re trying to bring gaming, fun, and community back to the space. Everything is for the community.”
The culmination of the week takes place on June 1st, with a black-and-white gala accented with green and gold—a formal affair marking eight decades of legacy.
The Devonshire Recreation Club has long stood as a cornerstone in the community. “This building has seen so much. If these walls could talk, they’d tell stories about BIU, PLP, and various oppositions. It’s always been a space for our people, for our struggle.”
Kwame adds that the club has its eyes on the future too. “We had some things we couldn’t pull off this year, but we’re working on it. One of them is setting up go-karts race on Palmetto Road—like what you see in the city, but in our own backyard. We want to bring joy to the people where they live.”
He concludes, “This has always been a community club. From before me to after me, that won’t change. Everything we do is for the community.”
Stay tuned to TNN for coverage of the Devonshire Recreation Club’s 80th Anniversary Celebrations.
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