Cannonborough Elliotborough in Charleston in Charleston County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Cannon Street Y
Photographed By J. J. Prats, February 14, 2015
1. Cannon Street Y Marker
What is now the Cannon Street Y was organized under the leadership of Harry W. Thomas in 1866. It was established using the name Charleston Negro YMCA to serve the needs of former slaves, freed by adoption of the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution in 1865. Of three Black YMCAs organized during that period, only Cannon Street Y continues to operate independently; i.e. not being taken over by a city or some other agency. This YMCA originally operated its programs from area churches, businesses, meeting halls, offices and private homes of its members. This arrangement continued until 1950 when the present facility was built at 61 Cannon Street.
The dedication plaque above the historical marker reads: “All I am interested in is the privilege of giving the Negro boys of Charleston the same privilege all boys of the world are allowed under the laws of Little League Inc Williamsport, Pa.” —Robert F. Morrison, July 27, 1955
Presented to Cannon Street YMCA in commemoration of the 1955 Cannon Street All-Stars.
Robert F. Morrison, President Manager: Benjamin Singleton Secretary: R. H. Penn Coaches: Walter Burke A. O. Graham Rufus Dilligard Lee J. Bennett
this page online
Erected 1997 by The MOJA Arts Festival, City of Charleston.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Charity & Public Work. A significant historical date for this entry is July 27, 1723.
Location. 32° 47.411′ N, 79° 56.671′ W. Marker is in Charleston, South Carolina, in Charleston County. It is in Cannonborough Elliotborough. Marker is on Cannon Street east of Smith Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 61 Cannon St, Charleston SC 29403, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. United Order of Tents Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Calvary Episcopal Church (approx. Ό mile away); Jonathan Jasper Wright (approx. Ό mile away); a different marker also named Calvary Episcopal Church (approx. Ό mile away); Cannon Street Hospital / McClennan Banks Memorial Hospital
Photographed By J. J. Prats, February 14, 2015
2. Cannon Street YMCA
Regarding Cannon Street Y. The 1955 Cannon Street All-Stars were unwittingly caught in the Little Leagues of America civil rights desegregation battle that year.
Also see . . . Remember the 1955 Cannon Street YMCA All-Stars. 2014 article by Christoper Lamb on the HuffingtonPost.com. Except: “I hope Little League Baseball remembers the 1955 Cannon Street all-stars, who unwittingly found themselves in the middle of the civil rights movement that was taking root in the United States.” (Submitted on March 8, 2015.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 8, 2015, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 497 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 8, 2015, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.
