The YMCA of Greater Houston proudly announces the renaming of the YMCA Equity Innovation Center powered by Reliant (EIC) to honor Quentin Ronald Mease, one of Houston’s most influential African American leaders. In Summer 2021, the YMCA and its executive committee officially voted on the EIC’s new name – The Quentin R. Mease Equity Innovation Center powered by Reliant. The YMCA of Greater Houston, community leaders and executives from Reliant joined together on Saturday, Oct. 23 at the Tellepsen Family Downtown YMCA to dedicate the renaming in his honor.

After two decades of service with the South Central YMCA, Quentin Mease’s legacy with the Y is trailblazing and inspiring. Mease made his mark on the community by aiding in the creation of the Houston Area Urban League in 1968, serving as the board’s first president, and founding the following organizations: Eliza Johnson Home for the Aged; Houston Council on Human Relations; Houston Business and Professional Men’s Club; and the YMCA Black Achievers Program, now a nationally recognized program known as the YMCA Youth Achievers Program.

Throughout Mease’s tenure, the Y continued to develop as a beacon of hope where families could thrive and communities flourish. His resolute commitment to working collaboratively with prominent businesspeople and uplifting young leaders was integral in the desegregation of Houston businesses. Additionally, the former YMCA of Greater Houston Mease Hall was a training and leadership development space for servant leaders, visionaries, and residents of Houston to come together to learn, strategize and develop equity initiatives. Similarly, the Quentin R. Mease Equity Innovation Center is a space for people of all walks of life to convene, learn, and continue the work of visionary leaders like Quentin R. Mease.

“The legacy of Quentin R. Mease left our community with a drive to enhance inclusive equity plans and better engage in in-depth dialogue surrounding diversity, and we believe the Quentin R. Mease Equity Innovation Center will help achieve this mission,” said Stephen Ives, President and CEO of YMCA of Greater Houston.

The Quentin R. Mease Equity Innovation Center powered by Reliant launched in July 2020 after the death of George Floyd and functions as a safe space and conversation starter for members of the community to learn, lead, organize, advocate and connect with intention. Additionally, the organization provides educational resources to guide other organizations and companies in developing effective equity plans to support employees and customers. Members are invited to engage in important conversations and experiences with a shared focus on advancing equity efforts.

“At Reliant, we’re committed to powering change in the communities where we live and work. Today is a special day where we celebrate Quentin Mease’s legacy and we feel honored to name the Equity Innovation Center after him,”said Elizabeth Killinger, president of Reliant. “By supporting organizations like the YMCA, we get to be part of their important work of building stronger, safer communities where all people can learn, contribute, and realize their full potential.”

Since its inception, The Quentin R. Mease Equity Center has hosted a variety of interactive events to educate and inspire Houstonians. In September 2020, the center partnered with Reliant to host the Freedom Tour, a free, three-day Zoom workshop which prompted meaningful conversation and informed attendees about Houston’s local civil rights movements. More recently, the center joined forces with Baker Ripley, Capital One, Harris Health Systems, Houston Texans and Reliant to present the City’s first virtual Sunday Supper in commemoration of the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., where participants were invited to engage in meaningful conversations and collective action to promote understanding around equity, diversity and inclusion.

For more information, please visit the YMCA Houston website.