Executive Director’s Message

From the 1940’s during my middle school years, African American young girls were encouraged to become members of the YWCA. Our teachers encouraged us to participate in programs that included historical people and basic civic concerns. Building on the values instilled at home to be a good neighbor, my affiliation with the Blue Triangle and other organizations since then have been the vehicles through which I am able to feed my desire to serve the community, uplift underserved populations, and preserve the rich history and legacy of my community.

Thus, when the legacy of the historic Blue Triangle YWCA branch building at 3005 McGowen was placed at risk, I had to act. As former life members of the Y, when we learned of the potential sale of the building by the Houston Y resulting from its loss of funding, my friends and I established Blue Triangle Multi-Cultural Association, Inc. and took steps to intervene and secure ownership. In January 2000, our prayers and efforts were rewarded, and we became the new owners of 3005 McGowen Street, inclusive of the Dr. John T. Biggers mural and antique furnishings, and Blue Triangle building and real property located at 2805 Berry St. It is imperative that we preserve this property which was purchased by ten African American women for $1,000 in 1948 to provide a place for the community to gather and socialize. We honor their vision and leadership by continuing to provide a safe place for all to meet, learn, and recreate. And to ensure this objective, Blue Triangle MCA took measures to have the property certified as a Texas Registered Historical Site in May 2002.

I have been involved with the Blue Triangle Branch of the YWCA and now the Blue Triangle Multi-Cultural Association, Inc. for eighty years. We are committed to continuing excellence in leadership and uplifting the principles of community, culture, service, heritage, and legacy. We do this by celebrating and honoring distinguished service of community members, our Living Legends, during our annual fundraiser to benefit operations. Through programs and activities for youth and adults, Blue Triangle MCA seeks to achieve its mission. Our swim programs, water aerobics, athlete training and fitness opportunities, hosting uplifting workshops and services, and celebrating significant holidays and occasions help us to achieve our goal. The recent launch of the Arts, Culture and Education (ACE) Program, with a focus on celebrating Dr. John T. Biggers and supporting local artists, furthers my dream to integrate a platform centered on the Arts at Blue Triangle Community Center continuing the heritage and legacy begun with the mural created therein back in 1953.

The years may have passed, and the needs of the community have evolved, but the legacy of Blue Triangle MCA remains significant. We will continue to advocate for the perpetuation of the mission which began over a century ago to provide a space for the community to gather, social, and learn. 

Charlotte K. Bryant

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