(Member 1958-1964)
For former U.S. Immigration Judge Henry Watkins III, a recent visit to the I.G. Homes Branch proved to be an emotional return home. In May of 1958, Henry Watkins III, first walked through the doors of the new I.G. Homes Branch. He regards that as one of the best decisions of his life.
At the Homes Branch, a young Henry participated in all areas but basketball quickly became his major passion. “Basketball was my favorite because I was pretty good. We used to play at the Club and individually we were pretty good players, but the kids from the Butler Branch of the Boys Club would either beat us or come close to beating us every year,” Henry said when talking about the best lesson he learned at the Club. “That is when I started thinking about how important teamwork is. Anyone on our team could take anyone on their team and beat them one on one, but as a team, the Butler Branch was pretty tight.”
For Henry, the Club still holds a very special place in his heart. “Me, my brothers, and friends we all went there. It was a big gathering point and it was very important in all of our lives,” said Henry. After spending many years of his childhood at the Club, Henry’s return home proved to be too emotional to hold back an occasional tear of joy.