A Man with a Spiritual Connection

In this episode, host Ahmad Qawi, President/CEO of the Racine Family YMCA, interviews Mr. Charles Tyler, Racine's first African American Director of the Racine Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department. Mr. Tyler is also a longtime youth mentor and community activist in Racine.

Born in Cairo, Illinois, Mr. Tyler grew up with a vision of service to help others in need. He began playing basketball in high school, played while stationed in Japan during his service in the Navy, and attended college in South Dakota on  a basketball scholarship. Upon arriving in Racine, Mr. Tyler worked for the City of Racine, eventually becoming the head of the Racine Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department.

Mr. Tyler was involved in Racine's Civil Rights movement to advocate for improved community center facilities for youth in the city. He is a beloved youth mentor in Racine who has positively impacted the lives of hundreds of youth. In 2017, Mr. Tyler published a book, titled "Youth in the Center of My Heart."