We already know that throwing down some Spades is more than just a game of cards in the Black community, right Forest?

But where and how did it originate and what does it have to do with us?

Spades itself seems to have been born sometime in the 1930s in Cincinnati.

Its popularity quickly spread, through dorm rooms and where young folks met, it became popular during WWII and many soldiers brought it back into their family and friend gatherings, and from there it found its way into Black community tables and the rest is History.

But that in itself doesn’t sound that rebellious.

You have to step back a bit further to really understand.

During enslavement, throughout the South, gathering to play cards for Black folks and gamble was illegal and punishable under the “slave codes”. These kinds of gatherings and camaraderie were not allowed out of fear of our enslaved ancestors “forgetting their place”!

This led to Black folks coming together in secret, meeting with one another, and throwing down some cards. The game Bid Whist became popular at these events, where lives were risked to keep community and hope alive, to spread news and messages, to work towards a better time, in the darkest of times.

And to this day, we gather, we break bread, and we play! So much so that we can define game night as a cultural event.

Spades derived from Bid Whist, but it can be played much quicker and thus was a natural fit for these already established gatherings.

So when you throw down Spades, it’s more than just a game, you are channeling your ancestors, those who fought and survived and allowed you to live today.

Let’s throw down out of respect, let’s remember, let’s keep the culture and History alive.

And of course, while doing it, why not do so with our Black History Playing Cards featuring custom illustrations of ancestors and current figures, plus quotes and facts? You can get a great deal and grab your deck here.

If you have anything to add or any questions, drop a comment below or email support@urbanintellectuals.com.

Love, Peace, and Black Power,

Freddie.