Westchester County honors legacy of pioneering rising sun golf, country club

County Executive George Latimer Unveils Plaque Commemorating Historic Black-Owned Establishment

In a poignant ceremony scheduled for Wednesday, March 20 at 2 p.m. at the Hudson Hills Golf Course in Ossining, Westchester County Executive George Latimer will lead a special dedication to honor the remarkable legacy of the Rising Sun Golf & Country Club. This event marks a significant milestone in recognizing the pivotal role played by the first black-owned and operated golf and country club in Westchester County’s history.

Reflecting on the significance of this commemoration, County Executive George Latimer remarked, “Westchester County has always been home to countless ambitious and intrepid people. The creation of the Rising Sun Golf & Country Club in the 1930s is just one example of the fortitude of our black residents.” Latimer’s words underscore the enduring spirit and determination exhibited by the founders of this groundbreaking establishment.

Deputy County Executive Ken Jenkins echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the visionary spirit of the club’s founders. “The gentlemen who founded the Rising Sun Golf & Country Club exhibited amazing vision, ambition, and optimism,” Jenkins remarked. “Their mission was to lift the club members’ aspirations, expand their athletic endeavors, and create social solidarity.”

Ossining Village Historian Joyce Sharrock-Cole lauded the commemoration as a crucial step in acknowledging the contributions of black individuals to the county’s rich tapestry of history.
“County Executive Latimer’s commemoration honoring the legacy of the Rising Sun Golf & Country Club is another tremendous step in documenting in perpetuity the contributions of black people in our County,” she stated.

The Rising Sun Golf & Country Club, established in 1936, emerged as a beacon of hope and resilience during the challenging era of the Great Depression. Founded by a group of prominent black men in Westchester County, the club defied societal norms and provided a haven for golf enthusiasts of color.

Despite facing relentless racism and discriminatory acts, the club’s founders persevered, operating the establishment for a single season before succumbing to financial pressures. Subsequent attempts to revive the club under new ownership were met with similar challenges, ultimately leading to its closure in 1939.

Today, the legacy of the Rising Sun Golf & Country Club endures as a testament to the resilience and determination of its founders. The unveiling of the memorial plaque serves as a poignant reminder of the club’s historic significance and its enduring impact on the community.

As Westchester County Parks Commissioner Kathy O’Connor aptly stated, “Though the Rising Sun Golf & Country Club lasted only one season, its legacy lives on. It’s a strong, enduring reminder of the many contributions that the County’s black citizens made—and continue to make—to our communities.”

In honoring the legacy of the Rising Sun Golf & Country Club, Westchester County pays tribute to a pioneering institution that defied the odds and left an indelible mark on the region’s history.