Dates

• Existence: 1903 - 1979

Biographical Note

After graduating from Knoxville College in 1928, Leo B. Marsh began working at the Detroit (Mich.) YMCA as the youth work secretary. He held a series of YMCA positions in Chicago (Ill.) and in Toledo and Columbus (Ohio). In 1944, he joined the national staff as associate executive secretary of the Central Atlantic Area. He later served as the director of the Board of Interracial and Counseling Services.

During this period, he continued his education at George Williams College, Springfield College, the University of Chicago, and Columbia University. During his 26 years as director, he became the first African- American president of the National Association of Secretaries in 1954. He also served as the U.S. representative at the World Conference of Christian Youth in India in 1952, and as a delegate to the YMCA World Council Meeting in Japan in 1965. He was one of the founders and first general chair of the National Conference of Black and Non-White YMCA Staff (BANWYS).

Marsh also served for two years as the assistant executive director of the National Board and as executive for the Committee for Interracial Advancement in 1967. After he retired in 1970, he served as a consultant to the Harlem Branch of the YMCA of Greater New York, where he was instrumental in the creation of the Black Achievers program as a strategy to create mentorships between inner-city youth of color and successful minority businessmen.

Found in 3 Collections and/or Records: