In the 1930s, the Linden Branch YWCA and the Filbert Street YMCA developed programs that helped the Black community survive the Depression. They emerged at a time when the national Y’s both encouraged separate branches for Black members.
Oakland’s Black YWCA.
In 1920, a small group of local black women, Mrs. Willie Henry, Melba Stafford, and Hettie B. Tilghman, organized the Linden Center YWCA with the central organization’s support and approval.
Linden Center’s name comes from its location at 828 Linden Street in West Oakland. Due to its increasing membership, it achieved “branch” status in 1924 and was then known as the Linden Branch Y.W.C.A or the Linden Y.
The Linden Y functioned as a job placement center and welfare agency during the Depression.
The branch operated as a community center, offering members religious training, recreational activities, counseling, vocational training, and music and art programs.
Young Women’s Christian Association of the U.S.A.–History.
African American Museum & Library at Oakland (Oakland, Calif.)
By 1938, the Linden St. Y had a membership of over 750.
For almost 25 years, the Linden Branch was a segregated facility. In 1944, following a national policy change, the Oakland YWCA board integrated the Linden Street Y.
“to make its program available to all women and girls irrespective of race, creed or color”
The name was changed to West Oakland Center YWCA.
African American Museum and Library at Oakland
Linden Street was described as ” a two-story framed building with four club rooms, a reception hall, office for the business and industrial sections, and two rooms rented to accommodate working girls.”
The facility and surrounding neighborhood were razed in the early 1960s to make room for the Acorn Projects.
Young Women’s Christian Association of Oakland.
African American Museum & Library at Oakland (Oakland, Calif.)
Oakland’s Black YMCA.
The organization, organized by Rev. L.A. Brown of the First A.M.E. Church, opened on June 6, 1926. It was initially located at 3431 Market Street in West Oakland, and William E. Watkins, an attorney, was the first director. 1927, the organization had 160 members, including 134 seniors and 26 boys.
1929, they moved to 804 Filbert Street, known as the Filbert Street Branch YMCA. 1935, they moved to 805 Linden Street and became the Eight and Linden Branch YMCA.
The Filbert Street Y promoted a competitive sports program. Its annual track meets athletic contest attracted competitors from all over the Bay Area.
They sponsored a variety of classes and activities. Members could attend Bible and woodworking courses. C. E. Brown organized a boys’ orchestra that performed for the public. Some of the boys were invited to summer camp.
In 1936, Mr. Watkins resigned as director and was replaced by R.T. Smith. The directory lists the BLACK YMCA at 836-36th Street. After moving to 36th Street, it became known as the North Oakland Branch. It probably integrated at about the same time as the Linden Branch.
More Info:
Oakland Heritage Alliance Newsletter – The Black Y’s of Oakland – Winter 1987-88
Oakland Heritage Alliance News Winter 2013 – Remembering the Linden Street Y
Linden Street YWCA – Oakland Local WIki
- Linden Street Center is now a Branch – Oakland Tribune March 16, 1924
- New Filbert Street Branch – Oakland Tribune November 11, 1928
- The Filbert Branch YMCA Moves – Oakland Tribune May 19, 1935
- Black YMCA Moves – Oakland Tribune June 23, 1935
- William Watkins Resigns – Oakland Tribune May 31, 1936
- Activities Among Negroes – Oakland Tribune August 8, 1937
- 12 Complete Nurses Course – Oakland Tribune April 16, 1943
- Linden YWCA Widens Its Functions – Oakland Tribune November 8, 1944