This small invitation, not much larger than a business card, is emblazoned with the stylized image of a well-groomed Black man wearing a turn-of-the-century suit, tie and collar; and while the card’s font is Deco, the use of “soulfully” as an adverb is very much of the 1970s.

This evocation of three eras at once speaks to Rainbow Sign’s self-marketing as a place for African-Americans “of the now” to connect with each other, and with their past. The card does not specify that it is a Black cultural arts center, only that it is a “Membership Club.” Should you be handed this card, you are soulfully invited to join, regardless of your race or background.