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African Americans and the YMCA: A Century of Progress and Struggle

Jerome Powell

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Published in Light In The Darkness: African Americans And The YMCA 1852 1946

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The Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) was founded in London, England, in 1844. Its mission was to provide a safe and supportive environment for young men to develop their physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. The YMCA quickly spread to the United States, and by the late 19th century, there were YMCAs in every major city.

From the beginning, the YMCA was open to all young men, regardless of race or religion. However, in the segregated society of the United States, African Americans faced many barriers to participation in the YMCA.

Light In The Darkness: African Americans and the YMCA, 1852-1946

by Nina Mjagkij

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Language	:	English
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Print length	:	210 pages

The Early Years: 1852-1900

The first YMCA for African Americans was founded in Washington, D.C., in 1852. This YMCA was founded by a group of abolitionists and philanthropists who were committed to providing African Americans with opportunities for education and recreation.

In the early years, African American YMCAs were often small and poorly funded. They were often located in segregated neighborhoods and offered limited programs and services.

Despite these challenges, African American YMCAs played an important role in the lives of their communities. They provided a safe and supportive space for young African Americans to socialize, learn, and develop their leadership skills.

The Progressive Era: 1900-1920

The Progressive Era was a time of great social and economic change in the United States. It was also a time of growing activism among African Americans.

During this period, African Americans began to demand greater access to the YMCA. In 1900, the National Council of the YMCA adopted a resolution calling for the integration of all YMCAs.

However, integration was slow to come. Many white YMCAs resisted the idea of admitting African Americans. In some cases, white YMCAs even went so far as to build separate facilities for African Americans.

Despite these setbacks, African Americans continued to press for integration. In 1911, the YMCA of Washington, D.C., became the first fully integrated YMCA in the United States.

The Interwar Years: 1920-1940

The interwar years were a time of both progress and setbacks for African Americans and the YMCA.

On the one hand, the YMCA continued to grow and expand its programs and services. In 1920, the YMCA opened its first national training school for African American YMCA professionals.

On the other hand, the YMCA also faced increasing pressure from white supremacists. In the 1930s, the Ku Klux Klan targeted the YMCA for its support of integration.

Despite these challenges, the YMCA remained committed to its mission of serving all young men, regardless of race.

The Post-World War II Era: 1946-1960

The post-World War II era was a time of great change for the United States. It was also a time of great change for the YMCA.

In 1946, the YMCA adopted a new constitution that explicitly prohibited discrimination on the basis of race.

This new policy led to a wave of integration at YMCAs across the country. By the end of the 1950s, the majority of YMCAs in the United States were integrated.

The integration of the YMCA was a major victory for the civil rights movement. It was a sign that the United States was finally moving towards a more just and equitable society.

The history of African Americans and the YMCA is a story of progress and struggle. It is a story of how African Americans have overcome barriers to participate in one of the most important institutions in American society.

The YMCA has played a vital role in the lives of African Americans. It has provided them with opportunities for education, recreation, and leadership development.

The YMCA has also been a force for social change. It has helped to break down racial barriers and promote understanding between people of different races.

The YMCA is a testament to the power of human beings to overcome adversity and build a better world.

Alt Attributes

* **Image 1:** A group of African American men and boys playing basketball at a YMCA. * **Image 2:** A group of African American men and women participating in a YMCA fitness class. * **Image 3:** A group of African American children learning how to swim at a YMCA.