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About the Cecil C. Hinton Community Center

 

For over 55 years, the Cecil C. Hinton Community Center has stood at the heart of Southwest Fresno—a welcoming space where families gather, youth find mentorship, and the community comes together to celebrate, learn, and grow. More than a building, the Hinton Center has long been a vital grassroots hub for health awareness, sports enrichment, educational attainment, and wellness programs that uplift youth, adults, and families across Fresno.

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Though time and structural challenges forced the center to close its doors, the spirit of service that shaped its legacy remains strong. Today, we are leading the charge to restore, revitalize, and reimagine the Cecil C. Hinton Center for future generations.

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Our mission is clear: to raise $40 million to rebuild a state-of-the-art facility that will expand opportunity, promote wellness, and foster lasting community engagement—ensuring the Hinton Center continues to serve as a beacon of empowerment in Southwest Fresno.

 

With the new Fresno City College West Fresno campus rising just across the street, this is a pivotal moment. The revitalized center will not only restore essential services but will also create new partnerships with local schools, businesses, and city leaders to help the next generation thrive.

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Thanks to the leadership of Councilmember Miguel Arias—who has already pledged $500,000—and the tireless efforts of our fundraising team, we are making real progress. Together, we can build a stronger, healthier, more connected Southwest Fresno.

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About Cecil C. Hinton

A native of Tennessee, Cecil Clarence Hinton moved to Fresno, California, in 1944 to serve as a USO Center Director. After settling in the city and marrying Martha Gailliard, the couple welcomed their daughter, Lois Juanita. As he laid roots in Fresno, Mr. Hinton recognized the urgent need for a dedicated space that offered opportunity, support, and resources for communities of color in West Fresno.

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Driven by this vision, Mr. Hinton became instrumental in founding the B Street Community Center, where he served as Director for 19 years. Under his leadership, the center supported 48 youth groups and 53 adult groups, offering critical social and recreational programs to address the deep disparities facing the community. In recognition of his tireless work and lasting impact, the center was renamed the Cecil C. Hinton Center in 1968.

 

Mr. Hinton was a graduate of Howard University and an undergraduate of Columbia University—an extraordinary achievement during a time of intense racial inequality in America. He defied the stereotypes of his era, standing as an educated African American man with a relentless passion for community empowerment and the intellect to turn vision into action.

 

Throughout his life, Mr. Hinton received numerous accolades for his service, including a resolution of appreciation from the California State Senate and honors as a “Fabulous Fresnan” by the California State University, Fresno Black Gospel Choir in both 1980 and 1985. He was also recognized with a Certificate of Special Recognition as a Trailblazer and Pioneer.

 

His deep commitment to service was reflected in his affiliations with Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, the California Association of Settlements and Neighborhoods, and the National Conference of Social Welfare.

Cecil C. Hinton passed away on August 23, 1987, leaving a monumental legacy in the city he loved. The center that bears his name continues his mission—uplifting the West Fresno community and honoring his legacy through every life it touches.

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Join Us in Restoring the Hinton Center

 

This is more than a renovation—it’s a commitment to the future of Southwest Fresno. We invite you to be part of this journey by donating, volunteering, or spreading the word.

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Together, we will honor Cecil Hinton’s legacy and build a center that continues to uplift and empower the community for years to come.

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