The Walnut Street YMCA: Heartbeat of the Black Community

Speaker: Jeanne Nutter

Suitable for Schools · Grades 6–12

This special presentation, led by Jeanne Nutter, includes a full-length documentary screening (45 minutes) and display of objects used at the YMCA/YWCA. Please allow 90 minutes for this program at your site and discuss technology needs with Dr. Nutter. 

Built in 1940, the Walnut Street YMCA/YWCA was the center of cultural, athletic and civil rights activities of the African American community in Wilmington and surrounding neighborhoods. During segregation it provided much needed services to children and adults. The presentation, centered on a screening of the documentary Walnut Street YMCA: Passport to Possibilities, shares oral histories, images, and artifacts from the Walnut Street Y. Dr. Jeanne Nutter, who produced the documentary, attended activities at the Y as a child and shares her personal experiences and objects after the screening.