• 1853 First YMCA for African Americans was formed by Anthony Bowen, a freed slave, in Washington D.C.
o Anthony purchased both him and his wife’s freedom in 1830 for $425
o Moved to Washington D.C.
o Organized the first Colored YMCA, just 2 years after the first Y was established in the US.
o Was known as a leader and was well respected in both white and black communities.
• 1929 African American leaders formed the Lincoln YMCA
o Inspired by Anthony Bowen who founded the first African American YMCA in Washington, D.C. (1853)
o Goals: Foster the welfare of colored people in Summit, provide a community center for both sexes, and extend a dependable employment service.
o Chapters sprang up all over the country and Summit joined in
o More than 100 people joined for the opening
o People who spoke at the opening
H.B. Bishop President of Summit YMCA
Mrs. W. B. Mount part of original committee in charge of the branch movement
Ernest Dressel Summit Public Library representative
Along with many others
o Located on 2nd floor of 55 Summit Ave. (currently Rocco’s Tailoring)
o In the late 20’s they moved to 93 Broad Street
Held events on Sundays, had formal dances for youth, and had its own basketball team.
o They use to use the high school gym, but were denied access until they could pay a fee.
• 1929 Employment License people who did not have jobs could go to the Lincoln Y for help looking for one
o Posted job adds in the Harold.
o Priority was given to those in most need
• 1949 Rev. Leon C. Riddick (Fountain Baptist Church) claims that both the Lincoln Y and the Central Y were at fault for Howard J. Dangerfield’s death. According to him, Dangerfield was overworked and underpaid. He also added that discrimination and segregation in Summit were also a factor of Dangerfield’s death. Urged that the Central Y be opened to everyone regardless of color or religious affiliation. Both the Lincoln Y and Central Y denied the claim of being Dangerfield’s cause of death.
o Result Summit Y opens new policy that requires them to allow anyone regardless of race to access membership. Many Y’s around the state begin to implement this policy.
• 1950’s Lincoln Y would help both youth and adults look for jobs in Summit.
• 1953 President Leon Cross helped unite both the Lincoln YMCA and Summit YMCA
o Cross was the first black member of the Summit YMCA Board of Trustees
• 1972 In May there was a discussion around town on whether to allow qualified African Americans to join the board of local organizations.
o The Y, along with many other local organizations (such as the Summit Childcare Center) decided that they must help put an end to racism, by begin to slowly merge and accepting qualified workers of any race / ethnicity.
• 1994 Black Achievers Program was formed
o Partnerships between community leaders, civic organizations, business leaders, clergy, Summit public schools, and individuals committed to high educational achievement formed the program.
