Game night gets a Black culture boost at Love, Peace & Spades

LOS ANGELES - You've seen the fun at family reunions, at game nights, at church gatherings.

Black folks gathered around a table, playing Dominoes, Tonk, Bid Whist - talking trash, slapping bones and cards.

That laughter, fellowship, and joy is the concept behind Love, Peace & Spades. 

"We selected the games by considering they are Black family heirlooms," said Kevito Clark, Love, Peace and Spades creator. "We wanted to focus on the intersection of music, tech, education and play."

Every month, game players gather at the Line Hotel in Koreatown to play a variety of games and learn new ones in a safe space with no judgment. 

Love, Peace & Spades provides coaches via Spades Academy, where the basics of Spades, Bid Whist, Dominoes, and Tunk/Tonk are taught to attendees. During a recent visit, FOX 11 learned just how alive and well the desire to learn the intricacies and strategies of Spades truly is.

Friendships are formed, secrets are shared, and connections are made at Love, Peace & Spades. 

"Our mission is to have an intergenerational community, to have players of all ages and backgrounds feel like they can come here and see someone who looks like them, who share the same experiences," said Clark. "We want to keep these recipes alive for the next generation."

The group is holding a special all-ages gathering on Sunday, Feb. 25 at the McDonalds in Leimert Park located at 2838 Crenshaw Blvd. from 3 to 7 p.m.

To RSVP click here. 

The regular monthly gatherings are hosted by the Line Hotel and operate on donations.  For more information, visit LovePeaceandSpades.com or on Instagram at @lovepeaceandspades.