Christina Lee, Head Photography Editor

Complete with a red carpet and a live jazz band, the Dixwell Community House kicked off its centennial gala in full force as attendees young and old gathered to celebrate the House’s rich history. 

For 100 years, the Dixwell Community House has served the Black communities of the Dixwell and Newhallville neighborhoods, providing after school programs for children and fitness and arts activities for all age groups — to name just a few of their initiatives. Last Friday, the House, also known as the Q House, celebrated its 100-year anniversary with over 100 community members in attendance to reflect on its legacy of service to New Haven. 

The history of the Dixwell Community House dates back to 1924, when it opened as a settlement house for African Americans migrating north from the South. After closing in 2003, the Q House re-opened in September 2021 and has since cemented itself as a community space dedicated to uplifting the Black community. Now, the House offers resources like a dance room, a senior center, art classes, financial literacy seminars and college fairs. 

“I think the reason why it’s still here is because it’s needed,” said Doris Dumas, president of the Greater New Haven branch of the NAACP. “It served the purpose that it was meant for, to have a place for our kids and for our seniors, for our communities to come together.”

For many community members, their own lived experiences form part of the Q House’s long history. Bud Mench, 57-year-old community member and gala attendee, shared how he used to lift weights at the House when he was a kid. Another community member, Chris Texeira, reflected on meeting his friends every weekend to play basketball at the House. 

Passing the torch to a younger generation, the Q House has solidified youth programming and prioritized activities for children. Dumas shared that the House is special to her because she grew up taking part in the House’s after school activities and now, she brings her own children to the programs. 

The Q House is also committed to making the space a place where youth voices are heard. 

Jacqueline Bracey, who served on the board of directors of Q House from 1969 to 1977 and was a distinguished honoree at the gala, explained that she is interested in hearing what young people have to say. 

“I’m a strong advocate for letting them know that it’s alright to argue — that their point of view is equally important,” Bracey said. 

Along with community members and youth, the city is also a major stakeholder in the operations of the Q House. In 2013, New Haven purchased the old Q House property and after finding it unusable, demolished the building and constructed the facility that stands today.

At the gala, Mayor Justin Elicker shared that the Q House has had a profound impact on the community as a home for people that may be struggling or do not have a home. Elicker, who appoints members of the Q House board, explained that he is proud of the House’s many activity offerings and the Q House Board’s dedication to the community. 

“You almost don’t have words to describe the impact that the Q house has had on the community for 100 years,” Elicker said. “It’s the spirit of a welcoming place that focuses on young people having safety around adults and mentors.” 

Among the event’s many sponsors included the Cornell Scott Hill Health Center and The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven. 

The Dixwell Community House is located on 197 Dixwell Ave.