It’s rare in life that you meet people who embody valuable characteristics and humility that you can only teach or hope to reach. We met such a person, and he was kind enough to let us share his story.

Roy Pittman was born in Monroe, Louisiana in 1943.

Shortly after his family had relocated to Portland, an estranged and predominantly white city, he had to get acclimated to this new environment. Though still very young at that time, he can recall the Vanport flood of 1948. An incident that is often overlooked in the region’s history and only recently receiving some recognition. Throughout his adolescence, Mr. Pittman attended three different elementary schools in Portland, all of which there were no other students of color. Without peers that looked like him, he took up wrestling where learned the benefits of self determination and pushing yourself. During the Vietnam War, a tumultuous time for the country, he was drafted; but through personal conviction, opted to be deployed to Korea instead of Vietnam. While serving, he was made aware of the racism that was rampant both in the armed forces and throughout every part of society. Upon returning, he attended Portland State University and worked at Matt Dishman Community Center. In 1970, he worked at Peninsula Park in North Portland, which at the time was considered a “white” park and slowly heading towards integration. Realizing there was a disconnection between the black and white communities, and particularly a void within the youth; he decided to change the narrative and the community at large by empowering the youth through sports, specifically wrestling.

At the time, the Black community, much like today, primarily thought that the only opportunities of success available to them through sports were football, basketball and baseball. Mr. Pittman, known for going against the grain, took it upon himself to challenge and end this stereotype by teaching the youth that they can BE and DO more. By being a role model himself and living through the words he preached to others, he learned very early that he had to have consistency and the discipline to show students that with dedication, the possibilities are endless. Since starting the Peninsula Wrestling Club, he has lived by and taught both the youth and community at large one thing: Do the right thing. Mr. Pittman continues to advice his youth that “it’s all about the output, not the outcome.” He reminds anyone who crosses paths with him that you alone are responsible for your work ethic and what you put out there. The outcome, whether to your satisfaction or not, is not up to you. Nonetheless, Mr. Pittman urges us to keep in mind that once you have taken care of the output and done your best, you should be content with the outcome.

From the 1970s to the present, Mr. Pittman has coached over 40,000 kids from all groups. With this success, it was only a matter of time until some of his students were heading to the Olympics. Mr. Pittman went on to Officiate the Olympic Trials in Dallas, Texas. Then in 1984, with some his youth representing at Olympics held in Los Angeles, he wanted to be there for them on the big stage. This decision was also brought upon by the persistent unfairness officiating and coaching towards Black athletes as well as lack of representation. After this, he started the National Mentor Program for Officials which later on opened a branch for Coaches. Mr. Pittman continued the tradition of empowering and transforming the lives of youth at PWC. Throughout all the the racial tension and the challenges of life, he played various roles including a coach, role model, father figure, mentor and personal teacher for four generations of youth. In particular for youth that came from troubling homes and faced racial bullying in school and the community, he reiterated to them time and time again that in life, it isn’t what others call you, but rather what and how you respond to it. In our conversation, Mr. Pittman profoundly emphasized to us that “Words don’t have meaning or power unless you give it to them.”

Through coaching, volunteering, and life lessons, Mr. Pittman’s wisdom that he passes onto the youth is that stress is nothing more than ego and control. Underlining that stress is a very real thing that happens to every human being; but emphasizing that the need to control other situations and other people’s perception of oneself deprives people of the freedom and mentality to create positive changes in their own lives. Mr. Pittman has taught youth from all over the country, and he keeps in mind that a human being is a human being at the end of the day, irrespective of where they come from. And that youth, just like children, are very impressionable. Once they have entered the environment, Mr. Pittman teaches them the following key life lessons: the values of humanity, mental, physical, and emotional strength, to live by respect, a firm handshake, compassion and unconditional love for yourself and others. Mr. Pittman credits his success at the PWC for over 50 years to being able to change and adapt with the times and serving the needs of the youth, no matter the race or religion. He has created an environment and culture that embodies and extends beyond mental and physical strength. An environment of living through discipline, through wisdom, and most importantly, compassion. Mr. Pittman guides his students to pause, reflect, and work on erasing the labels that they walk into the door with; and leaving with a sound mind and positive image of self that radiates everywhere they go.

For over 60 years, Mr. Pittman has played an integral role in the empowerment and development of youth from all walks of life. Lucky for us, his strength and vision for the future has not slowed down one bit. Mr. Pittman wishes to further the mission at the Peninsula Wrestling Club by adding a mental health component and shifting the narrative of gang violence, for youth in particular—from the lenses of gaining respect to reminding youth that no one can disrespect you without your permission.  Reminding us again of that powerful message above: words and other people’s perception of you have no meaning or powers unless you give it to them.

In closing, he wisely reminds us that “Anger is just one letter away from Danger.” Mr. Pittman is of the opinion that a lot of trouble can be avoided if youth learn this key lesson. It’s rare to cross paths with living legends and even more rare to be in their presence. We are grateful to be able to share Coach Pittman’s story and look forward to watching him continue receiving his flowers and appreciation.

From the team at DMCM to every person you crossed paths with and changed in a positive way, you are loved and appreciated. Thank you.