YMCA of Selma-Dallas County renamed Grist-Brown Memorial YMCA
Published 4:46 pm Sunday, December 2, 2018
The YMCA of Selma-Dallas County was renamed at a ceremony on Sunday.
The new facility will be called the Grist-Brown Memorial YMCA of Selma-Dallas County Walker Johnson Family Center. It’s also the 160th anniversary of the YMCA in Selma-Dallas County.
The Grist-Brown Memorial YMCA honors two long-time outstanding residents of Selma, Paul Malone Grist and Claude Cecil Brown. Family and friends of both Grist and Brown shared memories during the program. Two of Brown’s daughters, CeCe Brown Cooper and Lynn Brown, were present.
Former Selma Mayor George Evans praised the YMCA for honoring both Brown and Grist, for whom the YMCA was originally named after. Brown began George Washington Carver Branch of the YMCA, which was later named the Claude C. Brown Branch.
“I’m glad to see the YMCA name this place after two men who made a tremendous impact in the community,” Evans said. “I’m thankful to the board of the YMCA.”
YMCA Chief Executive Officer Leonard Speed said the next step of honoring Grist and Brown is developing the youth in the community.
“We pay homage to the legacy of Paul Grist and Cecil Brown is continuing the legacy through our youth,” Speed said. “They need our help and experience. They are our future.”
YMCA Chief Volunteer Officer Juanda Maxwell said being the fourth oldest YMCA speaks volumes of Grist and Brown’s dedication and commitment.
“We’re so proud of the legacy of 160 years,” Maxwell said. “Both men were integral parts of the community,” Maxwell said. “We want to bring the community together.”
