History

The late Gary Comer grew up on the South Side of Chicago and went to the Paul Revere Elementary School in the 1930s. In 1998, after casually stopping by the Revere School and meeting then Principal Shelby Taylor, Gary decided he wanted to help. Initially, his involvement started with making sure that the school had up-to-date, working computers for the children to use. Before long, Gary was involved in many different aspects of the community. Throughout his numerous meetings with the community and leaders in the Revere neighborhood, one theme consistently emerged—the only way to eradicate crime and poverty is to provide more good jobs, and to educate a future generation that will graduate high school ready for a career or further education. Gary’s idea started with the education of the young people of the Revere neighborhood, but school is only a modest part of the day. There is a large unstructured block of time away from school that allows additional opportunities for children to get involved in more positive activities.

Arthur Robertson also thought about this time away from school and the dangers inherent in it. Arthur knew that kids needed something to do after school—something productive and meaningful. Like Gary—although a generation later—he had grown up on the South Side. Arthur had gone on to be a teacher and school disciplinarian at the Revere School. He knew the kids better than anyone and knew how important after-school time was. Arthur made up his mind to do something.

In 1980, Arthur started The South Shore Drill Team with a handful of kids and a vision: to teach unique flag, rifle and dance routines which they would perform all over the city. In the process, the Drill Team members would learn self-discipline, self-esteem, and pride in their accomplishments, and ultimately apply these same values to everything else they did in their lives. There would be no try–outs or athletic requirements, only a few simple rules: “No drugs, no gangs, achieve in school.” Those rules haven’t changed in 25 years. The Drill Team has grown to more than 300 members, performed all over the world and graduated well over 1,000 students. It is impossible to know how many children’s lives Arthur Robertson, this quiet and humble hero, has changed for the better.

Eventually Gary and Arthur met and found that they shared a common vision. The idea for the Youth Center was born—a place where young people of the neighborhood would have a warm, welcoming and safe alternative for after–school time. Gary and Arthur’s dream came true when the Youth Center officially opened its doors in May 2006, and the hope is that it will provide enjoyment, education, and fulfillment for many generations to come.