A dedication ceremony will be held at the Benny Gordon Recreation Center on Saturday, May 16.
Members of the Gordon family will be in attendance for the event at 10 a.m.
Benny Gordon Jr. (1923-2003) was a Webster Groves resident who led a life of public service advocating for community change and fighting discrimination.
After being refused admission to the city’s public swimming pool in 1949, Gordon worked to challenge the ban in St. Louis County Circuit Court. The legal challenge was successful, but the city opted to close the pool.
In the aftermath, a new mayor and council were elected with a revised city charter that increased the number of councilmembers to ensure greater representation in local government.
The municipal swimming pool reopened to all residents in 1953.
Gordon also actively supported efforts to integrate Webster Groves schools. He served on the Public Safety Commission and on the board of Webster-Rock Hill Ministries and the Shepherd's Center.
A graduate of Douglass High School, Gordon became a successful businessman, establishing his own real estate and development firm, Benny Gordon and Associates.
Webster Groves City Council unanimously voted to rename the recreation center for Gordon in 2024, honoring his legacy.
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