Byline: ERIN DUGGAN Staff writer
Thirty-two years ago, the Whitney M. Young Jr. Health Center opened its door to anyone who needed health care, regardless of their ability to pay. This week it celebrated its history, its future and its namesake.
On Monday, a group of center employees -- calling themselves the Women of Whitney -- unveiled a bust of Whitney in the center's bright entranceway, a dinner honored Rev. Calvin Butts III as the center's newest recipient of its Living the Legacy award, and center President Jim Sinkoff announced the creation of a new foundation to help the center provide service to about 21,000 people.
``He was one of the most outstanding men,'' said Dr. Eleanor Young Love, Young's sister who came up from Kentucky for the bust unveiling and dinner.
As the former president of the national Urban League, Young championed three causes, Love said. The center, which had a major renovation and expansion two years ago, was built with the help of the Urban League, and named for the man who inspired communities to reach out to the poor and bring them to see doctors.
``Whitney was one of the giants in the civil rights movement,'' said Common Council member Sarah Curry-Cobb, who helped the center fund its expansion and also worked with Young at the Urban League.
The Young award honors individuals who improve the lives of others through education, health and economic empowerment.
Butts is president of the Council of Churches of the City of New York, president of SUNY Old Westbury and vice chair of the Board of Directors of United Way of New York City, among many other jobs. FACTS:CIVIL RIGHTS LEADER Whitney Moore Young Jr. fought for accessible health care, education and welfare in a distinguished career: 1921: Born in Lincoln Ridge, Ky. World War II: Served in anti-aircraft company of African- American soldiers1947: Earned master's of social work degree at University of Minnesota1947: Appointed director of industrial relations of the Urban League, St. Paul, Minn.1950: Appointed executive secretary of the Urban League, Omaha, Neb.1954: Named dean of the School of Social Work, Atlanta University1961: Appointed executive director of the National Urban League1968: Honored with Medal of Freedom1971: Drowned while swimming with friends in Lagos, Nigeria
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STEVE JACOBS/TIMES UNION THE NEW BUST of Whitney M. Young is viewed by Young's sister, Eleanor Young, during a Tuesday ceremony in Albany.
