Greensboro's African American Community Newspaper since 1967
The Hayes-Taylor Memorial YMCA marked its 100th anniversary in grand style with its 59th annual awards and recognition banquet on Sunday, November 2nd. The celebration, held in the Imperial Ballroom of the Koury Convention Center, honored the Y's rich history and recognized individuals whose work embodies its enduring mission. Greensboro resident and real estate professional Don Croom served as this year’s banquet chairperson.
The evening was hosted by Justin Lundy, a news reporter with Fox 8 News. The highlight of the night was the keynote address delivered by Dr. Harold L. Martin, Chancellor emeritus of North Carolina A&T State University. Dr. Martin shared a personal and moving account of the profound impact his local YMCA in Winston-Salem had on him and his brother as they grew up. An avid sports lover who “hated to lose,” he recalled his time playing sports at the Hayes-Taylor YMCA once he arrived as an undergraduate student in the early 70s at A&T.
Martin emphasized that Hayes-Taylor has played a historical role and had a profound impact on the Greensboro community. Dr. Martin described the Y as “more than a building, it was a beacon.” He noted its vital partnerships with institutions like A&T and Bennett College, underscoring its role as a training ground, a gathering place, a place of belonging. He added, “For generations, thousands of people learned discipline, teamwork, and respect for others within its walls. In a turbulent world, the Hayes-Taylor Y has provided a much-needed safe place.”
Dr. Martin lauded the Y’s commitment to the future, noting its continuous efforts “to build a partnership on trust and a shared vision to mentor young people, to embrace technology to prepare innovators and entrepreneurs, to be out front in creating jobs and wealth and to realize the importance of investing in young people.
The awards ceremony celebrated a diverse group of leaders and volunteers who have championed the Y's mission. The recipients are a testament to the broad impact of the Hayes-Taylor YMCA on Greensboro and beyond. They are as follows:
The 100th anniversary celebration served as a powerful reminder of the Hayes-Taylor YMCA's enduring legacy and its ongoing commitment to building a better community for all. The executive director of the YMCA is Spencer McCall. To learn more about the activities at the Hayes-Taylor Memorial YMCA, visit: https://www.ymcagreensboro.org/locations/hayes-taylor-memorial-ymca.
