Rose Marie Bryon came to Daytona Beach with her family in 1924 from White Springs, Florida. After graduating from Bethune-Cookman College, she embarked upon an illustrious teaching career in the public schools that spanned 42 years. In 1946, she organized the first Halloween party at the Cypress Street Recreation Center, where 253 children convened for Bible stories and refreshments.
In 1947, she organized the Children's Crusade for Christ, which included a Boys Club, gardening and temperance leagues. She fought a yearlong battle in 1948 to equalize the pay of black and white teachers. At the time, black teachers earned only half as much as white teachers.
An ordained minister in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Ms. Bryon was inspired to build a community center that would help residents "remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy" said, Mrs. Janet Bryant. Fundraisers, donations and a loan from the Federal Housing Authority in 1967 helped make the Rose Marie Bryon Children's Center a reality. "Rose Marie Bryon raised one biological daughter, Joy, and 30 foster children, instilling in them a love for reading, education, volunteerism and the love of God," she added.
The Center has been in operation for over 50 years. Today, Mrs. Bryant Manages the Rose Marie Bryon Children's Center continuing to keep the legacy of Mrs. Bryon alive in the community. The Center is a safe haven for children in the community. Students from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, along with students from Daytona State College and Bethune Cookman University, all participate in teaching Daytona's youth. During the summer the Center feed's the children breakfast, midday snacks and lunch at no cost to the parents who's youth participate in the program.
The Rose Marie Bryon Children's Center is a 501-C3 and operates on donations.
For more information contact:
Mrs. Janet Bryant at 386 - 253 - 9798
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