mr. & mrs. clark: advocates for recreation

By Charlotte A. Clark-Frieson
Not only were Mr. & Mrs. Wilkie Clark strong vocal advocates for recreational facilities for black youth in our community, but they also were DO-ers.

The cities in and around Roanoke NEVER showed any concern or empathy toward black parents desires for wholesome recreation for their children.   Consequently, children played in the middle of the streets; often jumped in ponds to cool off during the summers and were pulled out drowned, merely trying to go for a swim, or encountered other misfortune, because of a lack of social outlets for them. 

Black men in our community joined together in the effort to raise the money to secure some kind of decent recreational facilities for the youth, in order to discourage them from "street-life" and trouble, death and destruction.  They knew all too well that "an idle mind is the devil's workshop.  So, it was important to have wholesome recreation for the youngsters.  They were willing to work to secure it.

Wilkie Clark was a member of the Randolph County Recreational Association, the group of black men, who united to put recreation into our city.

In addition to their efforts, the black youth wanted to come together to form a group to support the men.   They came to Mrs. Clark, and asked if she would help them organize a youth club and serve as their advisor.  She agreed.  They set up their youth group, "The Progressive Youth Society."  The first president was Samuel Eugene Dunson.   Mrs. Clark enlisted the help of other adults, Mr. John Hendricks, and others who were willing to volunteer their time, to assist with Chaperoning the youth, and helping them sponsor fund-raising events.   They sold hotdogs, sponsored "street-dances" block parties' and all sorts of events.   This was a very successful effort.  The efforts of the youth were very fruitful.    

1969-April-10. [The Roanoke Leader]  Negro News Events.  Mrs. Mayme Shealey, Reporter
This newspaper article reported on the Formation of the Youth Progressive Society, which Mrs. Clark helped to organize with a purpose in mind.
Teen Club Formed, Elects Officers
A group of interested teens met on Wednesday, March 19, at the home of Mrs. Wilkie Clark for the purpose of organizing a youth club.  The group made plans for adopting a constitution and elected a slate of officers.  The club was given the name Youth Progressive Society.

The purpose of this club is to provide recreation for our teens during the summer and raise money for a new recreation center.

Meetings are held at 6:00 pm every second and fourth Wednesday in each moth at the Masonic Hall on the corner of Riley and Government.

Officers of the Youth Progressive Society are:
President: Nancy Watkins
Vice-President: Samuel Dunson
Secretary: Betty Rachel
Assistant Secretary, Mary Higgins
Treasurer: Linda Chapman
Assistant Treasurer: Jeffery Rosser,
Reporter: Patricia Royston,
Recreation Leader: Geradine Pool
Parliamentarian: Bobby Baker

SLIDESHOW: Members and Advisors For THE YOUTH Progressive Society

1970-6-10 Youth Club Has Trip To Six Flags.jpg
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