History

Recognizing the cultural isolation, social estrangement and lack of opportunities for participation in the civic affairs of DuPage County by African-Americans in the early 1970's, a small group of men came together to form CYD to address these concerns. The first organizational meeting was held in February 1973 and Willie Clemons elected as the first president. The men adopted the Motto "Community of man, Involvement with People, Dignity of Purpose" as the Guiding Theme for the organization. Thereafter, regular monthly meetings were held in the homes of CYD Board members.

On August 21, 1975, CYD was incorporated with the Office of the Illinois Secretary of State as a not-for-profit community organization. The first Board of Directors was: Theodore Gary, Robert Reid, Russell Sykes, James Caldwell, James Wynn, Ernie Gibson and Carl Smith. The purposes as set forth in the Charter were: 1) to encourage fellowship among Africans-Americans through social and family activities, and 2) to encourage and promote civic involvement through other groups and organizations within DuPage County. Over the next two and one-half decades, CYD sponsored a variety of family oriented programs and activities for adults and children in fulfillment of the organization's purpose.

With ongoing gentrification in the City of Chicago and relocation of Low income families to the Western suburbs, CYD initiated a strategic planning process in August of 2002 to identify needs of the African-American community and gaps in service provision. As part of the planning process, CYD adopted the official name of "Community and Youth Development of DuPage County" and revised its By-Laws to reflect a new mission that focused upon the physical, social and emotional development of disadvantaged children and youth.

In September 2003, CYD received official classification from the Internal Revenue Service and Office of the Illinois Secretary of State as a Tax Exempt 501 (c) (3) Public Charity. Since receiving this classification, CYD has established collaborative relationships with local government and social service agencies, churches, and other not-for-profit organizations to provide targeted services to more than three hundred disadvantaged children and parents each year.

In January 2016, Ron Cotton, a long time member, resigned. At the Board of Directors' January 9 meeting, Ron was given a big sendoff. A plaque was presented. Pictures were taken. Hands were shaken all around.

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