Jewel Thais-Williams Obituary: Catch One Founder Dies at 86
Jewel Thais-Williams, Pioneering Black Queer Nightclub Owner, Dies at 75
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Jewel Thais-Williams, a visionary entrepreneur and LGBTQ+ rights activist, has died at the age of 75. She is best remembered as the owner of Jewel’s Catch One, a legendary Los Angeles nightclub that served as a vital haven for Black queer people during a time of widespread discrimination and limited acceptance.Her tireless efforts positively affected the lives of countless LGBTQ minorities, and her dedication to bettering our community was truly inspiring.
A Safe Haven in a Hostile World: The Legacy of Jewel’s Catch One
For decades, Jewel’s Catch One wasn’t just a nightclub; it was a sanctuary.Founded in 1973, the club provided a rare space where Black LGBTQ+ individuals could freely express themselves, find community, and experience joy without fear of judgment or violence. In an era when both mainstream gay spaces and Black communities ofen excluded those who existed at the intersection of thes identities, Jewel’s Catch One was revolutionary.
“With Jewel’s Catch One, she built a home for young, Black queer people who were often isolated and shut out at their own homes, and in doing so, changed the lives of so manny,” said then-City Council President Herb Wesson at the 2019 ceremony where the square outside the club was officially named in her honour. “Jewel is more than deserving to be the first Black lesbian woman with a dedicated square in the city of Los Angeles for this and so many other reasons.”
The club hosted a diverse range of performers, from emerging local artists to established stars like The Whispers and Janet Jackson, fostering a vibrant cultural scene.More importantly, it offered a sense of belonging to those who were often marginalized. It was a place where people could dance,organise,heal,and simply exist authentically.
Facing Challenges and a Changing Landscape
After decades in nightlife, facing dwindling crowds and high overhead for a huge venue, Thais-Williams sold the venue in 2015 to nightlife entrepreneur Mitch Edelson, who continues to host rock and dance nights in the club, now known as Catch One. (Edelson said the club is planning a memorial for Thais-Williams.) The sale, however, inadvertently highlighted the club’s profound importance.
Thais-Williams herself recognized the shifting dynamics of the LGBTQ+ nightlife scene. “People in general don’t have appreciation anymore for their own institutions,” she told The Times in 2015. “All we want is something that’s shiny because our attention span is only going to last for one season and then you want to go somewhere else. The younger kids went to school and associated with both the straight people and non-Blacks, so thay feel free to go to those spots. The whole gay scene as it relates to nightclubs has changed – a lot.”
Beyond the Nightclub: Activism and Recognition
Thais-Williams’ impact extended far beyond the walls of her nightclub. She was a dedicated activist who fought tirelessly for LGBTQ+ rights and social justice. She understood the importance of visibility and representation, and she used her platform to advocate for her community.
The meaning of Jewel’s Catch One was further cemented by the 2018 Netflix documentary, “Jewel’s Catch One,” produced by Ava DuVernay’s Array. The film brought the club’s story to a wider audience, showcasing its impact on Los angeles nightlife and the broader music scene. When Thais-Williams sold it, the Catch was the last Black-owned queer nightclub in the city.in 2019, the City of Los Angeles officially recognized Thais-Williams’ contributions by naming the square outside Jewel’s catch One in her honor - a historic first for a black lesbian woman in the city. This dedication served as a powerful symbol of her legacy and the importance of Black queer spaces.
A Lasting Impact on black Queer Joy
L.A.’s queer nightlife scene continues to navigate the challenges of the pandemic, economic pressures, and evolving tastes. Yet, Thais-Williams’ vision and perseverance in creating and sustaining a home for her community will resonate for generations.
“Multiple generations of Black queer joy, safety, and community exist today as of Jewel Thais-Williams,” said Jasmyne Cannick, organizer of South L.A. Pride. “She didn’t just open doors – she held them open long enough for all of us to walk through, including this gen-X Black lesbian. There’s a whole generation of younger Black queer folks out here in L.