Our history

A group of neighbors comes together

Recognizing the cultural isolation, social estrangement and lack of opportunities for African Americans to take part in the civic life of DuPage County in the early 1970s, a small group of men came together to form CYD. The first organizational meeting was held in February 1973, and Willie Clemons was elected as the first president.

The men adopted the motto “Community of man, Involvement with people, Dignity of purpose” as the organization's guiding theme. Regular monthly meetings were held in the homes of CYD board members.

Incorporated as a not-for-profit

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 charter set out two purposes: to encourage fellowship among African Americans through social and family activities, and to encourage civic involvement through other groups and organizations in DuPage County. Over the next two and a half decades, CYD sponsored many family-oriented programs and activities for adults and children.

A new focus on children and youth

With ongoing gentrification in Chicago and the relocation of low-income families to the western suburbs, CYD began a strategic planning process in August 2002 to identify the needs of the African American community and gaps in services. As part of that process, CYD adopted the official name “Community and Youth Development of DuPage County” and revised its bylaws around a new mission: the physical, social and emotional development of disadvantaged children and youth.

A 501(c)(3) public charity

In September 2003, CYD was recognized by the Internal Revenue Service and the Illinois Secretary of State as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) public charity. Since then, CYD has built partnerships with local government, social service agencies, churches and other not-for-profit organizations to provide targeted services to hundreds of disadvantaged children and parents each year.

Thank you, Ron Cotton

In January 2016, longtime member Ron Cotton stepped down from the board. At the January 9 board meeting, Ron was given a big send-off: a plaque was presented, pictures were taken, and hands were shaken all around.