The Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) was formed in Kansas City, Missouri around 1853. With the growing African American population in 1907, both black and white city leaders raised $10,000 to move into three small buildings on the Paseo, the most heavily black-populated area in the city. In 1910, the YMCA membership outgrew the buildings and the black community raised $30,000 and white residents donated another $50,000 for the construction of a new building. By 1914, a large four-story brick building was completed and was named the Paseo Y. M. C. A., near 18th & Vine, Kansas City, MO. It became an influential social meeting place for African American clubs and study groups as well as an indoor pool for African Americans. The photo shows the remodeled door entrance of the Paseo YMCA building located near 18th and Vine in Kansas City, Missouri in September 1989.