History

The Blue Triangle Multi-Cultural Association, Inc. was incorporated in 1998. However, the association’s legacy begins with the Blue Triangle Branch of the YWCA, Houston first branch of the YWCA dating back to 1918, during World War I. The basis of Houston YWCA grew out of the pressing need for a central meeting place where women and girls of color could safely meet, learn, and recreate. It opened at 806 Clay Ave. in the old Masonic Building, under the War Work Council, sponsored by the National YWCA. The Houston YWCA was established in 1918 by Ms. Josephine Pinyon of New York City, with Mrs. B.J. Covington, Chair and Ms. Ruby Craig, Executive Secretary. After two years of satisfactory services to the community, an official application was made to the Central Association for Branch status. The application was approved February 1920; and the Blue Triangle Branch of the YWCA programs began. The first major project was to develop a campsite, twenty-five miles from downtown Houston on the bay in La Port, Texas. The campsite provided an area for recreation, picnics, fishing, crabbing and a summer home with conveniences. In 1921, the branch secured a residence for young women and girls in a Christian environment at reasonable prices with twelve rooms at 406 Saulnier Street, in the historic Fourth Ward. Fundraising efforts of the membership, churches and friends provided funds. Another home accommodated 12-15 girls at 2104 Hutchins St. In 1930, an activity center and cafeteria were opened at 608 Louisiana Street along with the Hutchins Street residence.

The national depression resulted in the Branch having to turn to Social Services for relief. In 1935, the branch membership decreased to twenty paid members which resulted in the residence closure. The average wage for domestic workers was $36.00 per month. During 1935, the operating funds were insufficient to maintain the facilities even though youth memberships increased. Blue Triangle Branch memberships were high and activities were planned for the low-income with 907 Girl Reserves and 207 adults in clubs and classes. By 1936, emergency relief was discontinued. More people volunteered for services and the paid membership increased to 140. The cafeteria closed during that year.

During the Depression era, the center served as an employment agency and girls and women found work. In the early 1940s, defense industries began to employ large numbers of women. Fewer calls for household and domestic workers lessened the need for employment agencies. During 1940, Houston YWCA leased 1419 Live Oak St. for the Blue Triangle Branch. Programs were offered for girls 9 to 12 yrs. of age, Y-Teens, and young employed women. The dream “of a building of our own” began and a group of ten women in the community organized and purchased land at 3005 McGowen St. for $1,000. They were Mrs. Lillie Austin, Mrs. A.B. Dotson, Mrs. F.N. Fairchild, Mrs. Ann Robinson, Mrs. Etta O’Neil, Mrs. Elneida Steward, Mrs. Stella N. Hill, Mrs. Eloise Williams, Mrs. A.E. Bowie, and Mrs. Carter Wesley. After the purchase, the property was deeded to Houston YWCA. The City of Houston Community Chest gave permission to hold a Capital Funds drive in 1948, with Ms. Sylvia Coleman serving as Chair. The funds provided for an activity center. Construction began in the summer of 1950 and was completed in December 1951. Programs and activities for children and adults, daycare, Bible class, art, drama, and dance classes continued for many years. Leisure learning and social activities made Blue Triangle “the social spot” for Houston’s people of color. Breakfast With Santa became an annual event and Reunion Dinners were fundraisers. Life Memberships and Silver and Gold Members, many of whom were sponsored by organizations, churches, civic groups, and fraternal organizations, provided funding to benefit programs and operations.

Early 1998, Houston YWCA lost United Way funding, prompting the sale of branches. On July 28, 1998, Kathy Johnson, Chair of Committee on Administration for Blue Triangle Branch, presented to the Houston Metropolitan Board of Directors a letter of agreement and recommendation to keep Blue Triangle open to the community. She further requested that Blue Triangle Branch YWCA Building be turned over to the newly organized Blue Triangle Multi-Cultural Association at a cost of $1.00. The majority of this community group were Life Members of Houston YWCA, who wanted to preserve the history, tradition, and programs in Third Ward community. Inclusive rites and ownership of the mural art of Dr. John Biggers and real property located at 2805 Berry St. completed the request. In January 2000, Blue Triangle MCA, became the new owners of the 3005 McGowen St. building, now the Blue Triangle Community Center. The initial appraised value of the acquisition was $1.4 mil. for the building, $1 mil. for the Biggers mural and $100,000 for the antique furnishings. Kathy Johnson served as the first Board President for six months and Charlotte Kelly Bryant succeeded her as President. New owners redecorated the interior and revived programs for children and adults.

Several organizations recognized and awarded the restoration and revived programs accomplished by Blue Triangle MCA. Some of these awards include: ACE Award, Preservation Houston’s Good Brick and Martha Peterson Awards, and NAACP Image Award. The building at 3005 McGowen Street was certified as a Texas Registered Historical Site in May 2002. The revived programs included afterschool and summer camp for children, adult programs, and reestablishment of affiliations with the Blue Triangle Quilt Guild, Garden Club, and social clubs. In 2004 utilizing federal Community Development Block Grant program funds, the indoor 25-meter swimming pool was restored and upgraded as a saltwater pool providing for a year-round swim program and water aerobics classes.

Several organizations recognized and awarded the restoration and revived programs accomplished by Blue Triangle MCA. Some of these awards include: ACE Award, Preservation Houston’s Good Brick and Martha Peterson Awards, and NAACP Image Award. The building at 3005 McGowen Street was certified as a Texas Registered Historical Site in May 2002. The revived programs included afterschool and summer camp for children, adult programs, and reestablishment of affiliations with the Blue Triangle Quilt Guild, Garden Club, and social clubs. In 2004 utilizing federal Community Development Block Grant program funds, the indoor 25-meter swimming pool was restored and upgraded as a saltwater pool providing for a year-round swim program and water aerobics classes.

Prayers were answered when the State of Qatar Harvey Fund awarded Blue Triangle MCA $4.9 million dollars to renovate the Blue Triangle Community Center. With the executed agreement, RPH mobilized a core project team to include Tellepsen - General Contractor and Gensler - Architects. Led by this dynamic trio, renovations to the Blue Triangle Community Center were completed in December 2022. In addition to the significant funds provided by the Qatar Harvey Fund, Houston Endowment, and Kinder Foundation, a host of other financial contributors, grantors, and providers of in-kind services made it possible to complete the $5.9 million dollar renovation project.

In 2017, activities at the Blue Triangle Community Center came to an unexpected halt when Hurricane Harvey damaged the roof. The devastation caused by water and flooding would require significant resources not readily available to Blue Triangle MCA. The first priority was addressing damage to the mural. The community rallied to stabilize the environment and reduce further damage to the prized Bigger’s mural. The Houston Endowment came through with an award to repair the roof and the Kinder Foundation provided resources to engage art restoration specialists to clean and restore the mural with the support and expertise of the Houston Museum of Fine Arts. Countless individual and business volunteers helped to clean the debris. UPS, Houston Black Restaurant Week, Houston Area Urban League Young Professionals, TSU Fine Arts Students, and Comerica Bank were great corporate and community partners that provided in-kind services, volunteers and/or funds to help in the aftermath. Blue Triangle Friends rose to the occasion, providing funding and networking to establish relationships to benefit the Blue Triangle MCA. RPH was an essential partner in assisting with conceptual designs and critical information to apply for funds to complete the needed renovations.

Harvey Damage to the John Biggers Mural

Prayers were answered when the State of Qatar Harvey Fund awarded Blue Triangle MCA $4.9 million dollars to renovate the Blue Triangle Community Center. With the executed agreement, RPH mobilized a core project team to include Tellepsen - General Contractor and Gensler - Architects. Led by this dynamic trio, the Hurricane Harvey Renovation Project at the Blue Triangle Community Center was completed in December 2022. In addition to the significant funds provided by the Qatar Harvey Fund, Houston Endowment, and Kinder Foundation, a host of other financial contributors, grantors, and providers of in-kind services made it possible to complete the $5.9 million dollar renovation project.

In 2023, Blue Triangle MCA was selected as the recipient of the 2023 NCAA Men’s Final Four Legacy Project presented by Unilever. The project included installation of a new gymnasium floor and basketball equipment, landscaping, and upgrading the outdoor playground. Following the Men’s Final Four project renovation, the Blue Triangle Community Center doors were opened to the public once again. Programs and activities since reopening have included celebration of Earth Day with an e-waste, shredding and tree distribution event, celebration of Juneteenth live and virtual panel discussion, National Senior Citizens Day Health and Activity Fair, Summer Financial Literacy Series, Learn to Swim Programs and Water Aerobics, Basketball Skills Training, state benefits certification assistance, and health clinics for the uninsured. Breakfast with Santa and Living Legends annual fundraiser were held. Engagement with the Blue Triangle Quilting Guild and Garden Clubs has also resumed.

Blue Triangle MCA’s Board of Directors provide excellent leadership in the management of the building and its programs. Currently, Bobbie Jones serves as the President of the Board of Directors and Charlotte Kelly Bryant, who served as President for fifteen years, is the Executive Director. Resources come from building rentals, memberships, grants, contributions, and fund-raising events.

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