Black History Month Public Health Pioneers 2025
Updated: February 13, 2025
In recognition of Black History Month, each week this month the Delaware County Health Department (DCHD) will detail the careers and accomplishments of selected Delaware County Black community members making a difference in public health. For 2025, DCHD is shining a light on pioneers from Delaware County who support public health by promoting healthy habits and community well-being.
The Nile Swim Club is a community hub that fosters youth development, family unity, and inclusivity and is another Delaware County Black History Month pioneer. It was founded in 1957 when Carson Puriefoy, Elmer Stewart, Zoe Mask and their families in Yeadon were denied membership at a local swim club due to racism. They purchased a property and raised funds from 326 bondholders from Yeadon and surrounding areas. Each bondholder contributed $250 each. The Nile Swim Club officially opened on July 11, 1959, attracting 1,000 people on its first day and it was accessible to everyone, regardless of race. The club became a cultural landmark, with celebrities like Harry Belafonte and The Supremes visiting. More recently, influencing figures like DJ Cash Money and Will Smith have also visited the club.
In 2019, the club launched the "No Child Will Drown in This Town" initiative, offering free swim lessons to all. The program expanded to include Autism Swim Days and an Autism Swim Clinic, providing specialized, quieter swim lessons for neurodivergent children. The club continues to focus on inclusivity and safety. In 2024, Aqua provided support for swim classes. In 2023, the Nile Swim Club taught over 800 kids how to swim, removing financial barriers by charging only $5 per class and allowing participation without a fee. In 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Nile Swim Club partnered with the owner of Brown Grocery Stores and Blessings of Hope Food Pantry to feed local families. They provided two bags of groceries to 100 families, and over several weeks, the distribution grew to deliver up to 1,000 food boxes per week. This dedication to inclusivity and togetherness points to Nile Swim Club's longevity. The Nile Swim Club is, celebrating 66 years this year.
For being the first and only Black-owned swim club in the U.S., it was awarded a Pennsylvania Historic Marker by the Yeadon Historical Commission. The award was given for its historic standing but also because of the club’s outstanding work with the community over the last six decades. While the club’s primary focus is on recreation, the Nile has often utilized its spaces to serve as venues for health education and promoting wellness. This includes teaching young swimmers about the benefits of physical activity, spreading awareness about local health resources, and bringing in organizations that support community members. DCHD is thrilled to recognize the Nile Swim Club as a 2025 Black History Month public health pioneer.
Community members are encouraged to check out the Nile Swim Club’s Summer 2025 Programs. There is a variety of activities from April to October, including Jessie’s Garden, where participants help maintain a garden, and SOW, featuring daily wellness activities for seniors. From June to August, kids can join Drama Club, try Scuba Diving, or participate in fitness classes. Swim programs include the Autism Swim Clinic (June 2-11) for neurodiverse children, Nile Swim Team (June 3-August 28) for competitive training, and NCWDOT (June 23-27, July 21-August 1) offering free beginner swim lessons. Additional options include Swim Camp (July 7-18) for advanced training, Diving Lessons (July 12-August 23), and Saturday Swim Clinics (July 12-August 23) for all skill levels. For sports enthusiasts, Basketball Clinics (July 9-11, July 23-25, August 13-15) provide free training for kids aged 9-18.
The Darby Hilldale Baseball Club
Hilldale Baseball Club is a historically significant baseball team deeply rooted in Black history and public health. The Hilldale Baseball Club started at the same location where the Delaware County Health Department now operates its Yeadon Wellness Center. The club's story began on May 29, 1910, when 19-year-old Austin Thompson from Darby, Pennsylvania, placed an ad in the Philadelphia Sunday Item seeking to arrange games with 14- to 15-year-old traveling teams, offering to cover half of their expenses.
Darby had a growing population of Black residents who lived primarily in a segregated area called "the Hill." It served as a close-knit community. Bringing together a group of young Black men to play baseball garnered much attention. The proximity to Philadelphia meant that Thompson’s team could interact with and eventually compete against some of the region's top African American baseball teams, building its reputation and gaining recognition.
What started as a local initiative with a youth team eventually expanded into a larger, more professional operation when entrepreneur and postal worker Ed Bolden invested in the team. Bolden’s efforts attracted older and more experienced players, gaining Hilldale national attention. The club became a member of the Eastern Colored League (ECL), one of the major Negro Leagues that existed due to Major League Baseball (MLB) segregation.
The Hilldale team was regarded as a highly competitive club, considered one of the country's best African American baseball teams. It was known for its talented roster and competitive play. Some of the notable players included Biz Mackey, Judy Johnson, and John Henry Lloyd, who went on to have professional baseball careers. Many of Hilldale's players were later inducted into the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Many of their relics are stored in the National Baseball Hall of Fame in New York and the Negro League Baseball Museum in Missouri.
Hilldale Baseball Club will be remembered not just for its competitive success but also for its cultural and social significance within Darby’s community during an era of racial segregation. Baseball served as a form of social medicine, promoting community togetherness, physical activity, and pride. The sport helped individuals combat the psychological toll of racial discrimination and created spaces for personal growth and empowerment.
For Delaware County residents: The Line-Up Barbershop, located at 125 Chester Ave, Yeadon, serves as a local preservation site and museum for the history of the Hilldale Club and Negro League baseball. Owners Kyle and Rashid are community-oriented and have kept the spirit of togetherness alive through their shop and engagement with local youth.
