'This project created hope': New Georgette and Cato Johnson YMCA opens in Whitehaven

Like others, Memphis Councilwoman Patrice Robinson has been waiting seven years to get back into the indoor pool at the YMCA in Whitehaven. The pool closed in 2016, a symbol of the aging YMCA branch, first opened 64 years but cloosed two years ago.

The wait is over.

The new Georgette and Cato Johnson YMCA was christened Wednesday morning in a ribbon-cutting ceremony. "Is this a vision," Robinson asked the crowd. "Is it real! We finally got here. Let me pinch myself. Wow, dreams do come true."

Politicians, community leaders and members packed the building at 4727 Elvis Presley Blvd. The new facility, which replaces the Davis Family YMCA, is the first standalone YMCA built in more than 20 years for the YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South Association. The new place is roughly four times larger than the original Y and includes amenities such as a gym, wellness center, indoor pool, teen & community resource spaces and an early learning center.

"In 2014 we determined that the Davis Y was past its usable life and for us to continue to serve the Whitehaven community for the next 60 years, a new building was needed," said Jerry Martin, the president & CEO for the YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South. "2015 was another proud moment when we launched a capital campaign with our very supportive board chair Florence Jones. In addition to Florence's leadership we were truly blessed when we added Councilwoman Robinson and Beverly and Howard Robertson to our team."

Longtime Whitehaven residents, Beverly and Howard Robertson own the TRUST Marketing firm. Beverly is also the former president and CEO of the Greater Memphis Chamber and former president of the National Civil Rights Museum.

Georgette and Cato Johnson, the namesakes of the new facility, are prominent members of the Memphis community. Cato serves as the chief of staff, public policy and regulatory affairs, for Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare and has been a longtime supporter of the Y. This is the second Y in Tennessee named after a family of color, with the other being the Cansler Family YMCA in Knoxville.

"One of the things I'm acutely aware of is that none of us as good as we think we are," Cato Johnson said. "It's only by God's amazing grace that I stand here. Because there have been others who have tread this ground and who have not been recognized. And we need to always remember them.

Georgette Johnson called the legacy of the new YMCA "the best thing that could ever happen to us."

The grand opening ceremony featured remarks from local and state government officials, including Gov. Bill Lee, as well as a performance of "This Little Light of Mine" by Grace Celebration Early Learning Center. Two people protesting LGBTQ-related state legislation were briefly detained outside the YMCA ceremony.

"I get to do a lot of things as governor, but there are very few that make me as proud as the moments I get to do that are like this one," Lee said at the ceremony. "First of all, Cato Johnson is a dear friend of mine and we met years ago, in fact the first time we ever met we sat down and talked about my work at the YMCA and how important it was that the YMCA reaches those who need to be reached. Hears those who are unheard, serves those who are unserved."

Toni Williams, the interim superintendent of the Memphis-Shelby County Schools, called the YMCA a "true partner" of the district.

"Thank you for stepping up when we need you the most in our community also. And I look forward to expanding it as well, we have some expansions coming along," Williams said. "So on behalf of our entire Memphis-Shelby County Schools family, thank you for the work you're doing to support not just the whole child, but, as my mom always says, 'the whole family.'"

Robinson said she is particularly excited to get back to her water aerobics classes. The pool where she will take the classes is named in honor of she and her husband: The Patrice and Jackie Robinson pool.

"This project created hope in Whitehaven," Robinson said. "...a place for our youth as well as our adults and seniors and our community to grow, thrive and pursue wellness...this building project created new positions, jobs and relationships that the Y didn't have at first. We engaged the community, solicited new investors as well as garnered support from local churches. It would take us all evening to tell you about all the people who have been involved."

Gina Butkovich covers DeSoto County, storytelling and general news. She can be reached at 901-232-6714.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Georgette and Cato Johnson YMCA opens in Whitehaven