YWCA Mourns the Loss of Their First African American President Helen Jackson Wilkins Claytor (1907-2005)

May 11, 2005, Washington, D.C.- Helen Jackson Wilkins Claytor, the first African American president of the YWCA USA, died Tuesday, March 10, 2005, at age 98 in Grand Rapids, MI.  Mrs. Claytor's passing was announced by her son, Roger Wilkins, history and American culture professor of George Mason University and nephew of Roy Wilkins, former president of the NAACP and national civil rights leader.

Mrs. Claytor's life with the YWCA began when she was in the seventh grade through her participation with the YWCA Girl Reserves, one of the most popular and successful YWCA club program which began in 1918 to foster patriotic war work.  After college graduation, she worked with the Trenton, NJ, YWCA.  Her contributions to her local organization and work on racial integration were quickly noticed by the National YWCA Board and she was offered a position as the secretary of interracial education.  Mrs. Claytor worked with colleagues researching interracial practices and the direct results of these studies lead to the organization's decision to desegregate.

In 1949, Mrs. Claytor became the first African American to hold the position of president in any local chapter - she held that post in Grand Rapids, MI.  She carried her vision and leadership abilities with her as she became the first African American to lead the YWCA National Board as their president for two terms (1967-1976).  During her tenure as the president of the National Board, Mrs. Claytor was instrumental in incorporating "One Imperative" - "to thrust our collective power toward the elimination of racism wherever it exists and by any means necessary" -  into the YWCA USA's mission.

"Mrs. Claytor was a visionary YWCA leader and an exemplary woman," said Peggy Sanchez Mills, YWCA USA CEO.  "Her hard work and dedication extended beyond her term as president and she will be missed, but her legacy will live on."

Along with her son, Roger Wilkins of Washington, DC, Mrs. Claytor is survived by two daughters, Judith A. Claytor of Grand Rapids MI., and Sharon Claytor Peters of Lansing, MI., five grandchildren and one great-grandson.  The reason for her death was not reported.

On Friday, May 13, at 7:00 p.m. there will be a Family night vigil held at St. Philips Episcopal Church located at 558 Henry St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI.  There will be a memorial service held on Saturday, May 14, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Marks Episcopal Church located at 134 North Division Street, Grand Rapids, MI.
In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to the John M. Burgess Wellness Center. It is the Health and Wellness Center of the St. Philips Episcopal Church in Grand Rapids. The address is 558 Henry Ave, SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503.

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Founded in 1858 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., the YWCA is a women's membership movement whose mission is to eliminate racism and empower women. Strengthened by diversity, the YWCA draws together members who strive to create opportunities for women's growth, leadership and power to attain a common vision: peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all people.

Currently, the YWCA represents approximately 2 million women, girls and their families in the United States and 25 million women worldwide. The YWCA has nearly 300 associations throughout the United States. The World YWCA is at work in more than 100 other countries. For information about the YWCA, visit our Web site, www.ywca.org, or contact the YWCA USA at 202-467-0801.