On Monday, the Walnut Street YMCA held a preview of its upcoming 85th anniversary celebration.
The event featured Lifetime Achievement Award recipients discussing the difference the Wilmington club had made in their lives and careers.
Award recipients introduced at the event were:
• State Rep. and educator Stephanie T. Bolden
• Claire Carey, retired Hercules executive who headed programs at the Walnut Street Y.
• Harmon Carey, historian and community radio station owner.
• Former Wilmington Mayor James Sills.
• Enid Wallace-Haley, chair of the Delaware State University Foundation.
The Walnut Street YMCA opened in September 1940 and became a hub for cultural, athletic, and civil rights activities during the era of segregation.
The facility, located in what historians have described as a vibrant Eastside Wilmington community, featured an indoor swimming pool, a bowling alley, an auditorium, a cafeteria, a library, a gymnasium, a workshop, a game room, meeting rooms, and dormitories.
DuPont Co. executive H. Fletcher Brown and his wife funded the original building, which was demolished in 1998 to make way for a new Y. The new building includes the original tower.
The Y created opportunities at a time when options were limited. Black customers were barred from patronizing or staying at hotels and other establishments in the city.
The Walnut Street YMCA was also the first in the nation designed to serve both men and women under one roof.
Current programs include.
- Preschool, after-school, and summer camp programs for more than 300 local children. In 2024, 85% of participants received nearly $1 million in financial assistance.
- Teen Development: In 2024, 1,830 teens connected with mentors in safe youth development programs that fostered confidence, resilience, and leadership.
- Black Achievers Program: Since its inception, the nationally recognized program has served more than 1,700 youth, with 95% of participants pursuing higher education.
- Youth in Government: Students gain hands-on civic experience by learning the legislative process, debating parliamentary procedure, and working with peers from across the state to develop solutions to issues facing Delawareans.
- Teen Workforce Development: Participants reported 90% improvement in interview skills, 98% gained confidence as employees, 92% strengthened their communication skills, and 98% enhanced their financial literacy and budgeting skills.
- Performing Arts: More than 80 Wilmington youth participate in the Essence Legacy Performing Arts (ELPA) program.
YMCA of Delaware President Jarrett Royster said the Walnut Street Y is working to meet challenges that include low school reading levels among Wilmington students and residents in zip codes in the city that have among the highest rates of obesity.
“For 85 years, the Walnut Street YMCA has been more than just a building — it has been a cornerstone of excellence, a safe haven for generations of youth and families, and a symbol of community progress. This celebration will pay tribute to our past while laying the foundation for an even brighter future,” said Anesha Law, Community Executive Director of the Walnut Street YMCA.
On Oct. 24, The Walnut Street Y will hold a 85th anniversary gala at the Chase Center on the Riverfront.
(0) comments
Welcome to the discussion.
Log In
Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.