Ninth Street Branch YMCA (Side 2)
The Ninth Street Branch YMCA was dedicated on Tuesday, October 8, 1907. The toastmaster for the evening was Dr. M.L. Taylor and the featured speaker was Dr. Booker T. Washington. Gertrude Pridgett "Ma" Rainey, accompanied by pianist Leila Price, performed "Lift Every Voice and Sing." This song would later become the Negro National Athem. The Ninth Street Branch YMCA entertained over 100,000 men, boys, soldiers and visitors during its existence. From 1907 until its demolition in December of 1963, more than 4,000 men held active memberships in the Association.
Erected by the Historic Chattahoochee Commission, Alfonso Biggs, and the Historic Columbus Foundation, Inc., 2002
Plaque courtesy Lat34North.com.
Original page, with additional info, here.
Photo credit: Byron Hooks of Lat34North.com.