Boys 2 Men Youth Mentoring and the Reviving Idlewild group have taken on the challenge of addressing blight in Idlewild, working hand in hand with the community to make a meaningful difference. Their approach involves tackling projects one step at a time, aiming to breathe new life into the area. To support this cause, all donations received will be directly allocated to funding these crucial initiatives. As a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, contributions are eligible for tax deductions, allowing supporters to contribute to the revitalization of Idlewild while receiving the benefits of charitable giving.
Boys 2 Men youth mentoring program, alongside various members of the esteemed Historical Idlewild community, has undertaken the ambitious initiative of revitalizing one of Idlewild's most cherished treasures: the historical Flamingo Club. Originally established in 1955 by Detroit hotelier Phil Giles, the Flamingo Club quickly gained nationwide recognition, being hailed in a 1956 Chicago Defender article as one of the premier nighteries in the country. Idlewild itself had long been a hub of vibrant evening activities, boasting options like card parties and dances since the 1920s. The Island's clubhouse transformed into the Idlewild Club Casino by the 1930s, and over the next few decades, venues such as the Paradise Club and El Morocco showcased top African American entertainers, including luminaries like Sarah Vaughan, Jackie Wilson, and the Four Tops. The 1960s brought a burgeoning club scene, propelled in part by the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which expanded opportunities for both black entertainers and audiences, marking a cultural shift. Sadly, the Flamingo closed its doors by 1968. Today, our organization is passionately raising funds for a comprehensive 5-phase revitalization project, spearheaded by licensed contractors and historical building experts. Our aim is to resurrect this gem while meticulously preserving its historical integrity, ensuring that the Flamingo Club stands as a testament to Idlewild's rich cultural legacy for generations to come.
Historical Flamingo Club Restoration Project
