The Excelsior Club has been a Charlotte institution for over 60 years. The club was founded by Jimmie McKee in 1944 to serve the social and entertainment needs of Charlotte's black community at a time when there were few such resources.
The club began in a small house in Charlotte's Washington Heights neighborhood. As an entertainment venue, the club became a favorite for some of the nations top Black entertainers including James Brown, Nat "King" Cole, the O'Jays and many others. Touring entertainers knew they would be safe at the Excelsior and greeted by adoring fans.
It wasn't long after it's founding that the club became a favorite meeting place for politicians across the racial spectrum. Club members had their fingers on the pulse of Charlotte's Black community and in order to reach these voters, politicians needed to visit the club.
The club continues to entertain its guests while maintaining it's influence in the community. Through the Excelsior Club Humanitarian Organization (ECHO) and support from club members; the Excelsior has raised money to support community needs and provided leadership for the next generation.
