About Us

West Indian immigrants came to Detroit in a comparatively small but continual stream during the interwar years (Between World War I and II).  By 1930, immigrants from the Caribbean had settled in Michigan and comprised roughly 1.9 percent of the African American population.

To fill the need of loneliness, homesickness, to hear and dance to the sounds of calypso and reggae music, to play cricket, soccer and eat the sumptuous array of spicy dishes from our homeland, we were forced to focus on ethnic identity. This led to the formation of an organization in the Detroit Metropolitan area in the 1920s called variously the West Indian Social League, the Michigan Cricket Club and currently, the West Indian American Association (WIAA reorganized in 1969) and West Indian American Association of Michigan Inc. (WIAAM) a 501 (c3) organization; formed in 2008. 


Based on its inception in 1920, the Association celebrated its 100 years of existence in the Detroit Metropolitan area. The Association currently owns a Building (Its Headquarter) at 2015 East Seven Mile Road in the city of Detroit.  This building houses a Rental Hall and a Club Room for the use of its members. In 1969 the Association hosted its first Banquet, leading to the historic milestone celebration of its 50th Scholarship and Recognition Awards Anniversary Banquet in November, 2019.  Each year Scholarship Awards are presented to high school graduates pursuing postsecondary education.  We also proudly showcase some of our Past Scholarship Recipients — College graduates who serve as Keynote speakers, MC’s etc. at our banquets, and are employed in an array of professional institutions globally.

We continue our mission of:

  1.  fostering cultural exchanges between the people of the Caribbean and the United States of America, especially those in South East Michigan 
  2. developing, coordinating and implementing programs that promote the educational, social and economic standards of its members 
  3. providing annual scholarships to students attending institutions of higher learning  
  4. serving the community at large through various charitable organizations including the Red Cross, Host Annual Health Fairs including, Mental Health, Community Giveaways etc.  

Additionally, “The Club (WIAA) as it is affectionately called serves as a place that provides an ambiance for camaraderie, entertainment, and friendship for its members and supporters.

FRONT ROW: LEFT TO RIGHT

Mrs. Deserene Clarke – Corresponding Secretary

Ms. Marie Robinson – Parliamentarian

Mrs. Maeve Cook – Recording Secretary

Ms. Veita Dennis – President

Mrs. Marcia Foster – Financial Secretary

Ms. Theresa Lewis – Board Member

Mrs. Michelle Lawrence – Board Member

MIDDLE ROW: LEFT TO RIGHT

Mr. Dave Gilead – Entertainment Chairperson

Mr. Valentine Samuels – Treasurer

Mr. Winston Burke – Board Member

Bishop Leonard Clarke – Board Member & Chaplain

Mr. Richard Williams – Vice President

BACK ROW: LEFT TO RIGHT

Mr. Anthony Reynolds – Building Manager

Mrs. Winfred Gayle – Ladies Auxilliary President

Mrs. Sonya Harris – Board Member

CURRENT EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBERS 

President: Ms. Veita L. Dennis

Vice President: Mr. Richard Williams

Financial Secretary: Mrs. Marcia Foster

Treasurer: Mr. Valentine Samuels

Corresponding Secretary: Kayan Hales-Clarke

Recording Secretary: Mrs. Maeve Cook

ENT Chairperson: Mr. Dave Gilead

Building Manager: Mr. Errol Reynolds

Sergeant at Arms: Mr. Alvin Harris 

Chaplain: Bishop Leonard Clarke 

Board Members: Mrs. Sonya Harris, Mrs. Deserene Clarke, Ms. Theresa Lewis, Bishop Leonard Clarke 

WEST INDIAN AMERICAN ASSOCIATION: AN INVITATION FOR MEMBERSHIP

All persons of good character are eligible for membership.

Benefits

  • Free access to clubroom activities
  • Free usage of clubroom for non-fundraising activities
  • 25% discount n hall rental for non-fundraising activities
  • Monthly Birth Night Celebration party, 4th Friday of each month
  • Recognition of members for outstanding service and to citizens at large for Community service
  • Scholarship Awards
  • Christmas Party for members and their guests
  • Cultural & Games Night
  • Domino Tournament
  • Ladies Auxiliaries Activities
  • Representative on Jamaica Association of Michigan Committee (JAM)
  • Representative on Concert of Colors Committee 
  • Member of Caribbean Cultural and Carnival Organization (CCCO)
  • Member of National Association of Jamaica & Supportive Organizations (NAJASO) 

Please fill out our contact form HERE or use the other means of contact options on that page to become an official member of the WIAA.


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