Nearly a century of life and service was on full display last month when family, friends and neighbors gathered to honor Willie Young’s 99th birthday at Nefertiti’s Banquet and Ballroom on Quindaro Boulevard in Kansas City, KS. They celebrated not only his milestone age but also the influence he has had on generations of KCK residents.
From Arkansas to Kansas City
Born Aug. 16, 1926, in Dumas, AR, Young moved to Kansas City in 1951 in search of steady work and a better life for his family. It was here that he and his late wife, Elgridie, put down roots and began building a legacy of service, mentorship, and hospitality.
Work, Barbering & Community Service
Young spent more than three decades at the Kansas City Railroad Terminal in Union Station, where he advanced from the mailroom into supervisory roles. At the same time, his home basement became his barbershop and a community staple, where children and adults alike could get a haircut for a quarter — or for free, if they couldn’t pay.
That barbershop became much more than a place for trims. Conversations in the chair often turned into lessons about staying in school, avoiding trouble, and pursuing bigger dreams.
Mrs. Muriel Brown, a trusted family friend, mentor and mother-in-law to Willie’s son Reginald. 
Charleszetta Shelby. Willie Young and her dad Charles Pierce worked together at Union Station. He was the first Black conductor for the railroad in Kansas City. Willie and Charles both fought fearlessly at the railroad for equal rights and fair pay. 
Charles Shelby, family friend and husband of Charleszetta. 
Terry Milan, a longtime family friend, shares his memories at the celebration. Daughter Gwendolyn R. Pearl was in charge of the mic. 
Longtime friend of Gwendolyn, Peggy and her husband Joe Taylor.
Mentorship & Activism
In the 1960s and ’70s, Young also stood alongside civil rights activists pushing for better educational opportunities for Black youth. He believed education was the surest path forward.
Young opened his backyard as a makeshift playground. Children from several blocks away would gather there to play basketball and other games under his watchful eye.
“He was the neighborhood dad,” community members said — a mentor, role model, and advocate rolled into one.
A Family That Shared the Mission
Young’s home was always open. Relatives and friends who needed a place to stay found one, rent-free, until they could get on their feet. Elgridie, remembered fondly for her cookies and home-cooked meals, made sure no visitor left hungry. Together, the couple’s hospitality became part of their community service.
Celebrating a Living Legacy
At 99, Young remains a living example of perseverance and service. His story is one not only of personal achievement but also of how one person’s consistent generosity can ripple through a community.
Wow! Thanks mister young,prime example of what a real man is supposed to be !
Wonderful story about Mr. Willie Young!