ANTHONY BOWEN
Founder of the first Black YMCA
Anthony Bowen (1809–1871) was born into slavery in Prince George’s County, Maryland. After working as a painter and bricklayer, he saved enough money to purchase his freedom for $425 in 1830. He later bought his wife’s freedom and moved to Washington, D.C.
Bowen became an influential figure in both the Black and white communities, dedicating his life to advancing African Americans through education, religion and community service.
In 1853, Bowen founded the first Colored Men’s Christian Association, which would later become the YMCA Anthony Bowen, the world’s first YMCA open to African Americans. He was a strong advocate for free Black people in Washington, establishing churches and offering religious instruction. Bowen also became the first African American clerk at the U.S. Patent Office and served as a council member for the District's Seventh Ward. He died in 1871, leaving a lasting legacy as a religious leader, educator & founder of the first African American YMCA.