Huntingdon Valley, PA - On June 29th, The Valley Club, a private swim club just outside Philadelphia, turned away 65 young black and brown swimmers from the Creative Steps Day Camp because of a *fear* that their presence would "change the complexion and atmosphere" of the club.
Alethea Wright, founder and director of the 13-year old Creative Steps Day Camp, did everything right. In early June, Ms. Wright reserved the children's use of the pool. They were to have access every Monday from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. beginning June 29 through August 10. Her application was promptly approved and payment of $1,950 accepted.
When the kids from Creative Steps showed up on June 29th for their first swim day, they were met with hostility. Ms. Wright overheard several white members make racist remarks about the children as did the children themselves. Fourteen year old Dymir Baylor heard a white woman say, "'What are all these black kids doing here? They might do something to my child." (Source) In addition, the majority of white parents pulled their children from the pool and stood around with their arms folded.
Here's a brief news clip about the matter.
Several days after the incident, The Valley Club refunded Ms. Wright's $1,950 payment without explanation. In essence, The Valley Club banned the Creative Steps children because they were the wrong color.
Special Thanks to Tia S. for story tip
