“Ernest T. Attwell’s contribution to the field of recreation extended the “quality as well as quantity” of recreational opportunities for minority groups in the first half of the 20th century.” (Butlter, 1965)
“Ernest Attwell was born in Harlem, New York in 1878, and began working in the office of the Southern Pacific Railroad Company when he was just 14 years old. During the eight years he was employed there, he gained experience in business procedures and management. By 1900, he joined the Tuskegee Institute where he led the business department and served as head football coach.” (Ernest T. Attwell, n.d.)
“In March of 1919 Ernest was invited to join the Playground and Recreation Association of America (PRAA), later known as the National Recreation Association. The following year he began to lead the Association's Bureau of Colored Work, a position he held for the next 29 years. His mission was to encourage the participation in and the expansion of recreation opportunities, facilities, and leadership opportunities available to African American citizens.” (Ernest T. Attwell, n.d.)
Enlisting recreation workers and training them to be effective recreation facilitators was a major focus for Ernest. He directed a five-week intensive recreation leadership course throughout the country during a time when there were very few options for such training for people of color. He consulted with universities and helped establish recreation training courses while serving as faculty of the National Recreation School. “Throughout his career Ernest T. Atwell established a model that restructured temporary War Camp Community Service Centers into permanent recreation centers in 27 cities and trained over 400 African American recreation leaders.” (Ernest T. Attwell, n.d.)
The City of Raleigh Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources Department recognizes Ernest T. Atwell as a pioneer in the field of recreation. Because of his contributions and dedication to providing a more abundant life, an inspiration to workers in the recreation profession, and leaving an indelible imprint upon hundreds of communities across the country “Ernest was inducted into the Robert W. Crawford Recreation and Park Hall of Fame in October of 1989”. (Ernest T. Attwell, n.d.)
Sources
Butler, George D. Pioneers in Public Recreation. Minneapolis, MN: Burgess Publishing Company, 1965. p. 165.
Ernest T. Attwell (n.d.). Play and Playground Encyclopedia.