Here for Our Community

Spring Street YMCA, circa 1920's

Each year, during the month of February we celebrate the history and accomplishments of African

Americans. The origins of this holiday date back to 1915, just half a century after the abolishment of slavery, when Harvard historian Dr. Carter G. Woodson embarked on a journey to preserve the history of African-Americans.  

In his research, Woodson found that African-American contributions,“were overlooked, ignored, and even suppressed by the writers of history textbooks and the teachers who use them.” He further concluded that this intentional exclusion from history was race prejudice and “merely the logical result of tradition, the inevitable outcome through instruction to the effect that the Negro has never contributed anything to the progress of mankind.”

Frustrated with the lack of acknowledgement of the contributions of Blacks in American history, Dr. Woodson and his peers frequently met at the Wabash Avenue YMCA during his visits to Chicago to discuss strategies of disseminating information to the masses about the accomplishments of Blacks in our country. These robust discussions led to the formation of the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH), an organization committed to highlighting the achievements of Black Americans and those of African descent. The group went on to sponsor and establish the first national Negro History Week in 1926. The ASNLH chose the second week of February to coincide with the birthdays of our 16^th U.S. President Abraham Lincoln and Civil Rights champion Frederick Douglas. In 1976, in honor of the holiday’s 50^th year anniversary, Negro History Week was expanded to Black History Month.  Today we proudly celebrate this holiday and reflect on the many contributions African-Americans have made throughout our history.

The YMCA movement has always sought to serve as a beacon of hope to communities across America, playing an integral part in the history of the African-American struggle for progress and equality.  In 1853, just 10 years before slavery was ended in the United States, the first YMCA for African-Americans was founded in Washington D.C. by Anthony Bowen, a former slave and abolitionist. The “YMCA for Colored Men and Boys,” provided a place for African-American men and boys to participate in Bible study, moral and spiritual learning, physical education and organized sports. The Y also provided opportunities for Black adults to receive formal education and vocational training through business and management courses.

In 1910, Sears, Roebuck & Company president Julius Rosenwald issued a unique challenge to African-Americans to raise money to build their own YMCAs by matching $25,000 for every $75,000 raised. The grant resulted in 25 Black YMCAs built in 23 cities over the next two decades.  It also inspired many African-American leaders and local white philanthropists to tap into their own resources. These Y’s provided clean, safe rooms and eating facilities for Black travelers, especially servicemen during the era of segregation and extreme racial discrimination. 

Among the Y’s established during this era was our own Spring Street YMCA in 1912. The Spring Street YMCA, now referred to as the Eldon & Elsie Ward Family YMCA was originally located on Spring and 5^th Street. The Spring Street YMCA was established to facilitate the physical, mental and spiritual enhancement of African Americans in Columbus. The Eldon & Elsie Ward Family YMCA continues to be a cornerstone of the Near East Side community today.

During the Civil Rights Era, the Black YMCAs often became a focal point for meetings and rallies. In fact, some of our most profound Black leaders including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X and U.S. Ambassador Andrew Young stayed at YMCA residences. In 1967, racial discrimination was officially banned in all YMCA’s.

Today the Y is a powerful and inclusive organization of men, women and children joined together by a shared commitment to nurture every child, promote healthy living and to foster a sense of social responsibility. Through history we understand that in order to create lasting personal and social change, we must all work together. We remain even more devoted to our cause of strengthening communities and to ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.