Rose Marie Bryon Center
625 South Street
Rose Marie Bryon came to Daytona Beach in 1924 from White Springs, Florida. After graduation from Bethune-Cookman College, she embarked upon an illustrious teaching career in public schools that spanned 42 years. She fought, and won, 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 and serve the community. In 1947, she organized the Children’s Crusade for Christ, which included a Boys Club, gardening and temperance leagues. Originally, the program moved around to different community centers until the current structure was built in 1967, giving it a permanent home. Fundraisers, donations and a loan from the Federal Housing Authority helped make the Rose Marie Bryon Children’s Center a reality. The Center operates after-school programs, providing a safe place to learn and play and supplies families with a food pantry. The food pantry contains fresh produce, canned goods, and meat while also providing food bags on Fridays, ensuring children have a hot meal over the weekend.
Rose Marie Bryon (1907-1991) raised one biological daughter, Joy, and 30 foster children, instilling in them a love for reading, education, volunteerism and the love of God.
The community center continues today operating the oldest after-school program in Daytona Beach with an all-volunteer staff and donations from area churches.
Timeline
1924 - Arrives in Daytona Beach
1947 - Creates the Children’s Crusade for Christ
1948 - Wins Pay Equality for Black Teachers
1967 - Builds Permanent Structure for Children’s Programs
2025 - Oldest After-School Program in the Daytona Beach Area