Jewel Thais-Williams, revered as the matriarch of Los Angeles’ Black LGBTQ+ community, has passed away at the age of 86.
In 1973, she founded the legendary Jewel’s Catch One Disco on Pico Boulevard in the Arlington Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles. The nightclub, recognized as the oldest Black-owned disco in the United States, became a cultural hub and celebrity hotspot during the disco era, attracting stars like Madonna, Sharon Stone, and Whitney Houston.
Beyond the glitz and glamour, Thais-Williams was a tireless advocate for health and healing. She co-founded the Minority AIDS Project and later established the Village Health Foundation, offering holistic healthcare to underserved communities, particularly those affected by HIV/AIDS.
In 2019, then–L.A. City Council President Herb Wesson honored her legacy by dedicating the intersection of Pico Boulevard and Norton Avenue as Jewel Thais-Williams Square, recognizing her lifelong commitment to LGBTQ and human rights activism.
Thais-Williams is survived by her wife and partner of more than 40 years, Rue.
“Today the world celebrates the incredible life and legacy of Jewel Thais-Williams — holistic healer, community activist, and business mogul,” reflected Jeffrey King, founder and executive director of In The Meantime Men’s Group. “(We join) with the global community in honoring her vast contributions. We will call her name for eternity and beyond. Jewel Thais-Williams!”
Her story is immortalized in the 2018 documentary Jewel’s Catch One, directed by C. Fitz and distributed by Ava DuVernay’s ARRAY. The film features interviews with Sharon Stone, Jenifer Lewis, and Madonna, chronicling the nightclub’s rich history and Thais-Williams’ enduring impact. More information is available at ArrayNow.com.