Community Service

Over the years, the GMC has supported various community groups and initiatives, both local and national in scope, to help address problems and concerns. The GMC sought to improve undesirable practices in home rentals, unfair employment situations, inequities in public schools, unfair policies concerning wages and working hours, and undesirable working conditions. During its early years, the GMC contributed leadership support in a number of significant ways to address these issues. Highlights include:

  • Contributed war bonds for the erection of the Memorial Coliseum, the first part of which was completed in 1959

  • Advocated for the removal of "white" and "colored" signs from the public drinking fountains and toilets

  • Supported the Poor People's March by gifts of time, money and participation

  • Supported the NAACP and the purchase of a life membership in that organization

  • Advocated for the employment of African Americans in all branches of government

  • Support for the election of African Americans to city council

  • Promoted African American registration and voting

  • Called for installation of adequate street lights and traffic lights in the southeastern section of the city including paving of streets in this part of the city

  • Advocated for the construction of more public housing units

  • Supported the establishment of a daycare center at Morningside Homes, a low-rent housing project, by a gift of $1000 to initiate setting up that facility

  • Supported petition for integration and municipally owned golf courses

  • Supported the improvement and enlargement of recreational facilities for African American youth (swimming pools, community centers and playing fields)

  • Advocated for granting higher teachers' salaries and lower teaching loads

  • Supported the L. Richardson Hospital, including an original donation of $500 to the predominantly black facility

  • Donated $25,000 to help revitalize fundraising efforts of the Civil Rights Museum