Enjoy the Pleasures of Life
It’s time to rejoice, rejuvenate, and reenergize with the Westport 10 Community Club
CT INSIDER
WESTPORT — It all started with a group of four men who were out to eat.
Co-founder Jay Norris and the others discussed inequalities and social equity around the time of the George Floyd killing. He said they wondered if they made the right decision moving to the area where only about 1 percent of the population is Black, according to U.S. Census data.
Norris describes Westport 10 as an experiential club for people of color within Westport and the surrounding areas.
"I love network building and community building is what I'm known for," he said. "I'm not going to let anybody run us out of this town."
Norris said he told the others, "I guarantee there's more of us here," talking about Black people and other people of color.
About a month passed, and the four men started meeting more people of color within town, who would share the message of their group. They also created a WhatsApp chat to stay in touch.
Fun with Loved Ones
Come, join us at community events that spread joy, love and togetherness. It’s time to enjoy art, music, film, sport and fashion.
Be Our Change
“The hidden history of Westport’s Black residents encompasses enslaved people, slaveholders, a community of more than 70 Black families and, sometimes, a legacy of racism and indifference by white residents to the plight of African Americans who lived or worked in town.”
Gretchen Webster from Article ‘Hidden No More’
Bricks from Remembered photo as a courtesy from the Westport Museum for History and Culture.
An Experiential Club
We love cultural events suited for our community. We’re open to new ideas to support the network of our neighborhood.
Better Our History
“Longtime white Westporters remember the residents as keeping very much to themselves, causing no controversy. One man called the rooms “immaculate.”
Dan Woog in the Article ’22 ½ Main Street’
Schoolhouse photo as a courtesy from the Westport Museum for History and Culture.
Westport 10 is a community where we support each other. We want to share, celebrate, and bring success to Westport! We strive to nourish our community.
“Westport 10”
Words From The Round Up:
“Two years ago, Jay Norris sat with 4 other Black men. Their goal was to create a social community in Westport for people of color.
The men would network. They and their spouses would attend cultural events, and dine out together; they’d organize beach parties and other events for their kids.
Hoping for a few more men, they chose an optimistic name: Westport 10.
They’ve met at places like La Plage, Autostrada and Hudson Malone. Their children have gotten together. By their presence and involvement in local affairs, they’re making Westport more comfortable for themselves — and more welcoming for all.
Westport 10 has grown rapidly. They’re now up to over 50 men and their families.
Congratulations! Here’s hoping for more name changes in the future.”
Words From The Round Up
It’s hard to know who had a better time Saturday night, at the Westport Weston Family YMCA’s first-ever Winter Ball: the young girls, or their dads (or other loved ones) who escorted them.
A crowd of over 100 danced to a DJ, enjoyed refreshments, and visited a photo booth and nail painter.
Attendees also brought food items, and made other donations to Homes with Hope.
