Brick by Brick: How the Christian Street YMCA Built the Black Community

The legacy of the first Black YMCA in Philadelphia lives in every brick, every wooden beam, every glass pane. Its history spans more than 135 years as a beacon of hope and community for generations of Black Philadelphians.

The origins of this institution stemmed from the conviction of abolitionist William Still, commonly known as the Father of the Underground Railroad. On June 26, 1889, inside the walls of Still’s home, Christian Perry– the founder of the Philadelphia Tribune– alongside several clergymen and other civic leaders of the Black community convened. From this meeting, the foundation of the first Black YMCA of Philadelphia was established.

The very existence of the building was a testament to the continued resistance of the African American community against the racial caste system America sought to place upon them. Due to men like Charles H. Bullock, Anthony Bowen, and others who used their influence to found these Black enclaves along the eastern seaboard– Black YMCAs thrived. While originally formed in William Still’s home, the physical location for the Black Philadelphia YMCA eventually settled on 18th and Christian Street, becoming the Mecca for Black working-class and upwardly mobile families.

Envision a hub at the turn of the 20th century where Blackness thrived as the Christian Street YMCA hosted job placement events, meeting spaces, scholastic evening classes, among other social events. This “Y” served as the site for the replacement of the former Philadelphia chapter of the National Negro Business League in 1916– thus highlighting this center as a needed space for the economic development of the Black community of Philadelphia.

Following the tenets of the national organization, the Christian Street YMCA also centered physical sports as an outlet for developing model citizens. Known for its elite athletics department, this YMCA fostered top-tier sports programs for Basketball, Tennis, Football, and Swimming. These programs, although never explicitly said, lent themselves to the social development and self-determination of the community.

As Philadelphia struggled with its embedded racism in the 1950s, this YMCA shone brightly. It was home to the only indoor pool that African Americans could frequent before the enforcement of Public Accommodation desegregation mandates, originally set in the mid-1930s. Black Excellence knew no age, nor socio-economic level here, as greatness walked through its doors with names like Wilt Chamberlain, Charles “Tarzan” Cooper, Earl “the Pearl” Monroe, and John Chaney– all future NBA legends spending their formative years honing their craft on the gymnasium's wooden floors. From these hallowed halls, the Eastern Colored League held its 1925-1926 organizational meetings.

Even when speaking to current patrons, there is immense pride in this sanctuary. All one has to do is strike up a conversation and the stories come pouring forth. Speaking to a long-time 30th Ward resident and Christian Street YMCA guest, Mr. Keith, his pride beamed as he recounted how famed acts like The Temptations used to stay in the second-floor apartments, due to being denied hotel rooms downtown. After fulfilling their tour obligations, they always made sure to perform for the community on the first floor.

For Tariq Moore, the current Sports and Camp Director, this Y has been a part of his story. As he stated with pride, “With my sister serving as a camp counselor,” he shared, “the Christian Street ‘Y’ felt like home—culture was always present.” These reflections represent the importance of this institution as it has supported the Black community and continues to inspire future generations.

What this YMCA represents is not some mere relic or feel-good anecdote. It is an active, living, breathing entity, holding the memories and resiliency of Blackness within its walls. This YMCA is a blueprint– ready and waiting for the next generation to use it to its fullest potential.

Here is where we can exhale. Here is where we can take pride in one another. Here is where we can be seen in all our autonomy. The very ethos of our community only dies the moment we take for granted the purpose that our past represents.

The Christian Street YMCA is only one of countless examples we need to preserve and protect. Indeed, may this space stand for another 114 years, reminding us all that we are indeed stronger together.