My father began to complement his black-community involvement with civic involvement.

His expanding participation coincided with an ambitious urban renewal program that changed the face of the city. It was a cornerstone of the mayoralty of Celentano's successor, Richard C. Lee.

In 1956, my father became a member of the Public Housing Commission. About this time, he was selected by Mayor Lee to join the Citizens Action Committee (CAC). Chaired by the mayor, the CAC, planned and developed major building projects in the city, including a new Macy's department store, a major downtown hotel, and a sports arena.

In May of 1957, the Dixwell Community Council held an Awards Dinner to recognize community leaders for their contributions. Over 300 people attended, and Jackie Robinson was the guest speaker. My father was one of four honorees.

Other awards would follow. But for my father, who had come to New Haven 24 years earlier knowing no one, the acknowledgement he received that night, as a protector of the community's health, was one of the high points of his life.

At the 1957 Dixwell Community Council Awards Dinner. From left to right: my father, co-honoree Charles Twyman, Jackie Robinson, Aurelia Ledbetter, Carter Marshall and James Mitchell.