TheCookout is a member-owned club for Black cultural experiences. We build curated rooms, suppers, sessions, salons, and an annual flagship called The Marquee, all hosted by vetted members across major US cities. TheCookout operates on cooperative economics rooted in Ujamaa and is part of the newBWS ecosystem.

Who can join TheCookout?

TheCookout serves Black professionals, investors, creatives, and cultural architects seeking trusted, premium, culturally fluent experiences. Allies are welcome through member sponsorship. Membership is application-based, with every applicant personally reviewed for cultural alignment.

How does TheCookout membership work?

TheCookout operates on a member-ownership model rooted in Ujamaa (cooperative economics). Members apply for founding membership. Once a city reaches critical mass of founding members, it unlocks its first room. Members can attend experiences across all six categories: The Spread (suppers), The Sounds (music sessions), The Function (celebrations), The Conversation (salons), The Reset (wellness), and The Marquee (annual flagship).

What cities does TheCookout serve?

TheCookout is building in New York, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Washington DC, Houston, Miami, Chicago, Detroit, Philadelphia, and New Orleans. Cities unlock their first room once they reach critical mass of founding members. Atlanta, New York, and Los Angeles currently lead in founding member momentum.

Is TheCookout the same as The Gathering Spot or Soho House?

TheCookout is distinct. We're a member-owned platform built on Ujamaa (cooperative economics), where members own the platform's growth rather than outside investors. Unlike traditional private clubs, TheCookout has no permanent physical spaces—we activate homes, rooftops, galleries, and hidden gems across cities. Every experience is hosted by a community member, not staff. We're designed specifically for Black professionals and cultural fluency, not retrofitted diversity.

When does TheCookout launch its first room?

TheCookout is currently in pre-launch, accepting founding member applications. Each city unlocks its first room when it reaches critical mass of founding members. Atlanta is closest at 78% momentum, followed by New York at 64% and Los Angeles at 58%. Apply now to claim your city and help it reach the line.

What kinds of experiences does TheCookout offer?

TheCookout offers six categories of experience: The Spread (intimate dinners and supper clubs), The Sounds (listening sessions, DJ sets, vinyl nights), The Function (parties and celebrations), The Conversation (salons, panels, founder discussions), The Reset (wellness, retreats, recovery), and The Marquee (annual multi-day flagship event). All experiences are hosted by vetted community members.

Are there real Black cultural events happening now that TheCookout recommends?

Yes. TheCookout curates The Culture's Calendar, featuring premiere Black cultural events including Essence Festival of Culture (New Orleans, July), Martha's Vineyard African American Film Festival (August), The Roots Picnic (Philadelphia, June), CurlFest (New York, July), Afropunk Festival (Brooklyn, August), UNCF Mayor's Masked Ball (Atlanta, December), Black Food and Wine Experience, Black Girls Wine Society Festival, Black Yacht Weekend (Miami, May), and The Momference (Washington DC, October).

How can brands partner with TheCookout?

TheCookout is open to partnerships with premium brands aligned with cultural excellence. We're interested in automotive partners for member arrivals and Marquee transportation, spirits brands (Black-owned and Black-aligned) for tastings and table service, hospitality partners for member rates and Marquee host cities, and fashion partnerships with heritage and emerging Black designers. Inquiries: partnerships@thecookout.net

MUSIC

The Sounds

Where the record is read out loud.

Music as ministry

The Sounds is the room for music. Listening sessions, rare groove rooms, live performances by emerging and established artists, and DJ sets that respect the dancefloor. From Sunday afternoon jazz to Friday night house, every session is built around the music, not around what's around the music. The kind of room where the bartender knows the album.