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Discover the Y’s Connection to Black History Month

Carter G. Woodson, known as the “Father of Black History,” wanted the study of past Black life to have a significant impact. He once stated, “We are going back to that beautiful history and it is going to inspire us to greater achievements.”   In 1915, Woodson, a University of Chicago alumnus, arrived in Chicago to attend a national celebration of the 50th anniversary of emancipation sponsored by the state of Illinois. Inspired by this three-week celebration of the accomplishments of Black people in the U.S., Dr. Woodson met with a small group at the historic Wabash Avenue YMCA in Chicago and founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, now called the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH).  The group who helped form the ASNLH would spend their nights at the Wabash Avenue Y, which in those days served as an important Black […]

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Honoring Black History at the YMCA

The history of the YMCA – like the history of Evanston – is a story of incremental progress toward greater inclusion, equity, and justice. As we honor and celebrate Black history in the month of February and every day, we remain committed to our work of becoming an anti-racist, multicultural organization where everyone can be, belong and become. We are committed to learning from our past, listening to our present, and making changes that will advance racial justice, health, and healing, and break cycles of harm, for generations to come. This #BlackHistoryMonth, we are honoring the stories of Black leaders who helped move the Y – and the country – forward. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn as we share their journeys throughout the month of February. Discover the Y’s Connection to Black History Month Carter G. Woodson, known as the “Father of Black History,” wanted the study of

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Community Day at the Y: Event Recap

On Saturday, January 7, McGaw YMCA welcomed members of the community with an afternoon filled with tours, demonstrations, and activities.  The McGaw YMCA celebrated its commitment to strengthening community with its first Community Day of 2023 on January 7. Members of the Evanston community were able to explore the YMCA for free and enjoy demo classes of some of our most popular Group Fitness classes like Zumba®, Indoor Cycling, Step Aerobics, and more.  Community Days are hosted at the Y on select dates throughout the year. Community Days provide a fun-filled day for community members to try the Y for free. This is also a great time for McGaw YMCA members to bring their friends to sample all the Y has to offer! The focus for the January 7 Community Day was family fun, fitness, and inspiration with opportunities to connect with new people, develop new skills, and explore new

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