History of the Philadelphia Chapter of the NNGA

The Philadelphia Chapter of the National Negro Golf Association (NNGA) was officially chartered in January 1976 during a national council meeting held in Philadelphia, PA. At the time, Dr. Herschell Cochran served as the first national president, overseeing the expansion of NNGA’s mission. Before Philadelphia joined the organization, the NNGA had established thriving chapters in Cleveland, New York, Boston, and Washington, DC.

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Founding Members & Leadership

The establishment of the Philadelphia Chapter was made possible through the vision and dedication of its founding members, who sought to create a space where African American golfers could compete, build camaraderie, and contribute to their communities:

• Ernest “Broadway” Oglesby

• Clarence “Fishman” Fisher

• Willie “Large One” Johnson

• Bill Turner

• Charlie Greene (First Chapter President)

• Frank Washington

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Under the leadership of Charlie Greene, the Philadelphia Chapter quickly became a cornerstone of the NNGA, embodying the organization’s commitment to golf, fellowship, and service.

Commitment to Education & Community Impact

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From the beginning, the Philadelphia Chapter was driven by a commitment not only to the game of golf but also to the advancement of education and opportunity for future generations. Inspired by a strong passion for post-secondary education, our chapter has played a pivotal role in supporting students through fundraising efforts.

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Over the years, we have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), helping provide scholarships and resources to deserving students.

 

These contributions were made possible through:

• Celebrity Golf Tournaments held across Philadelphia and New Jersey

• Collaborative fundraising initiatives with other NNGA chapters

• Long-standing community partnerships aimed at supporting Black excellence in education