The Departmental Progressive Club (DPC) along with its ladies auxiliary celebrated the inauguration of Barack Obama Tuesday with an evening of fine dining, music and dancing. About 130 members and guests of the historic black mens club were greeted by a red carpet and red, white and blue bunting that adorned the outside and inside of the club on Gibbon Street. The mood was festive as well as reflective as they celebrated the historic day and watched the new President and his wife go from ball to ball on the big-screen television.
The DPC, Alexandrias oldest private club, was established almost 82 years ago by seven young black men who worked in various departments of the federal government. Their purpose was to encourage character, to foster fellowship by providing wholesome recreation and to improve the general welfare of Alexandria. These founders would accomplish their goals by reaching out to other community organizations a tradition that continues with todays DPC.
Barbara Wilks, chair of the Inaugural Ball, said that she thought everyone enjoyed themselves. Knowing that the club was founded by seven black men 82 years ago and that tonight we are celebrating the first African American President made it special, she said.