For many of us, Spades is more than a card game. It is a cultural rite of passage. You learned it at the kitchen table, at a family reunion, in the dorms, or from someone who said, “You’ll figure it out.” And sometimes, figuring it out came with side eyes, strong opinions, and flipped tables.
Cards and Culture: Spades creates a welcoming and judgment free space for anyone who has played Spades, tried to learn Spades, or always wanted to understand how the game actually works. Whether you know the basics, learned informally, or never felt confident asking questions, this program invites you to learn and play in community.
Hosted at The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, this experience centers Spades as a cultural tradition rooted in Black social life, storytelling, and connection. Participants will learn the fundamentals of the game, explore its cultural significance, and play together in an environment where no one will be laughed at, judged, or corrected harshly. And yes, we promise the tables will remain unflipped. Come for the cards. Stay for the culture. Learn in a space built on respect, joy, and shared memory.
Save your spot! Register here.
