By: Shelley McKinley
Everyone involved was all smiles and holiday cheer at the 54th Annual Breakfast With Santa held on Saturday, December 2, 2023, at the Blue Triangle Community center. This was a joint effort between the National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc. of Houston and the Blue Triangle MultiCultural Association, Inc., led by Charlotte K. Bryant, Executive Director of the Blue Triangle Multi-Cultural Association (MCA) and Community Center. In addition to breakfast, each child left with a book, a bicycle, and a toy of their choosing. Members of the Divine Nine were on hand to help children and parents navigate the all the activities such as ticket drawings for prizes as well as their individual pictures with Santa. Young people from various organizations, including Miss Top Teen Humble, were there as Santa’s helpers.
Mrs. Bryant shared the history of the breakfast. “Breakfast with Santa started with Lullelia Walker Harrison of the Zeta Phi Beta sorority 54 years ago. She introduced the idea to the Pan-Hellenic Council and started with breakfast and a book for every child. The Alpha Phi Alpha men began to provide toys, along with the Blue Triangle Garden lub. Each year it has gotten bigger and better. This is the first time with bikes.” UPS provided 50 bicycles and a love package for each family. Toys were also donated by members of the Divine Nine.
“his was the first year that we were unable to invite the usual nine elementary schools in HISD, so we relied on social media and had an excellent turn out,” explained Bryant. “The next event at the Blue Triangle Center will be Kwanza for Families on December 27, 2023, 9am – 12pm, and the public is invited.” The Blue Triangle Community Center, previously known as the Blue Triangle YWCA, has served as the foundation for African American politics and social life for decades. Toward the end of the 1940’s a group of (10) women in the community organized and purchased land at 3000 McGowen St. for $1000. After the purchase, the property was deeded to Houston YWCA. The City of Houston Community Chest gave permission to hold a Capital Funds drive in 1948, raising $350,000.00, with Ms. Sylvia Coleman, chair. Construction began summer of 1950 and was completed December 1951.
Programs and activities for children and adults, daycare, Bible Class, art, drama and dance classes continued many years. Leisure learning and social activities made Blue Triangle “the social spot” for Houston’s people of color. Breakfast With Santa, and Reunion Dinners were annual events. Life Memberships, Silver and Gold Members – many of whom were sponsored by organizations, churches, civic groups and fraternal organizations provided funding to benefit program and operations.
The Houston Y lost United Way funding, prompting the sale of each of the branches. On July 28, 1998, Kathy Johnson, Chair of Committee on Administration for Blue Triangle Branch, presented to the Houston Metropolitan Board of Directors a letter of agreement and recommendation to keep Blue Triangle open to the community. She further requested that Blue Triangle Branch YWCA Building be turned over to the newly organized Blue Triangle MultiCultural Association, Inc., at a cost of $1.00. The majority of this community group were Life Members of Houston YWCA, who wanted to preserve the history, tradition and programs in Third Ward community. Inclusive rites and ownership of the Art of Dr. John Biggers and real property located 2805 Berry St. would complete the request.
