I grew up in the projects which was a low-income housing development. - L. Nowlin

Lester Nowlin's Story

My first home was in the 15th Street projects before my family moved to Happy Hill Gardens. We lived on Nowlin Street, and my mother always told me that the street was named after my grandfather, whom I never had the chance to meet. My grandmother and grandfather both passed away when my mother was only 12 years old.

I grew up in a home with four sisters and four brothers. We didn't have much, but my mother always reminded us of one thing: we had each other. Life was difficult, but she was a strong Black woman who did everything she could to raise her children the right way. She worked hard, sacrificed, and instilled values that would stay with us for the rest of our lives.

I was born and raised in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. I attended North Elementary School on Patterson Avenue and walked to school every day from first through sixth grade. During those years, I joined 4-H, served on the Safety Patrol, and played sports, which quickly became my greatest passion.

As I continued through school, several teachers and staff members noticed that I was a young boy who genuinely wanted to make something of himself. They spoke with the school social worker and guidance counselor, who eventually approached me with an opportunity to attend the YMCA after school. I gladly accepted.

A man named Mr. Marty Penn began taking me to the YMCA every day. It was there that I met Mr. Moses "Moe" Lucas, a man who would become like a godfather not only to me but to countless young people throughout Winston-Salem. At the time, the YMCA welcomed children from all over the city. It was free, safe, and filled with opportunities. I spent so much time there that I rarely saw my brothers and sisters except at night, when the bus brought us all back home.

The YMCA became much more than a place to spend the afternoon—it became a second home. Every day we completed our homework, practiced reading and writing, and had to show Mr. Moe Lucas that our work was finished before we could enjoy any activities. I can still remember him sitting there, smoking his cigar, making sure every child handled their responsibilities first.

Only after our schoolwork was complete were we allowed to play. The YMCA offered everything a kid could imagine: swimming, boxing, ping-pong, pool, cadets, drill team, football, basketball, and so much more.

Looking back now, I realize just how fortunate I was. At the time, I was simply a happy kid enjoying life. I didn't fully understand that while I was learning, playing sports, and being mentored at the YMCA, I was also being kept off the streets. That environment, and the people who invested in me, helped shape the man I would become.