The McGaw YMCA honors and celebrates Black history in the month of February and every day as we work to be a place of belonging for all people at every stage of life. We bring people together. We listen to our community. We respond with intention.
We are part of the larger YMCA movement that believes that our vision must be rooted in humanity and in the fact that, Black Lives Matter. We embrace and celebrate all dimensions of diversity at McGaw by ensuring equity within our organization. We are committed to becoming an anti-racist, multicultural organization that intentionally leads and boldly models diverse and inclusive cultures that impact and strengthen the foundations of our community.
Join us in being a champion for equity and justice. Throughout the month of February, we invite you to learn about moments in Black History involving the YMCA.
LAST UPDATED: February 1, 2021, AT 9:00 A.M.
UNLEARNING SYSTEMIC RACISM TOWNHALL
FEB. 24 at 11:00 a.m. (CT)
On February 24, McGaw Y President/CEO Monique Parsons will join other Black YMCA CEOs across the country in a virtual town hall to discuss the important topic of unlearning systemic racism. During the townhall, Monique will facilitate a panel on health inequities. This event will be hosted on Zoom and is free and open to the public.
We Wear Black
FEB. 26 – All Day
We invite you to join us and YMCA’s across the country for We Wear Black on February 26, to take a stand against injustice and racism in all forms. We Wear Black to bring awareness to systemic racism and oppression of Black people in the United States and around the globe. Join us. Take a Stand.
To participate, on Feb. 26, wear black, take a photo, and post with a short statement on why you wear black. Be sure to use the hashtag #WeWearBlack and tag @globalymca and @mcgawymca. Encourage others to post and engage!
The YMCA in Evanston
An Unforgettable Legacy
Watch Unforgettable: Memories of the Emerson Street Branch YMCA, to honor the unforgettable legacy of the Emerson Street Branch YMCA, an anchor for the social and civic life of Evanston’s Black community between 1909 and 1969. Through photos and oral histories, the film chronicles Emerson’s sixty-year influence still resonating in the lives and hearts of those who lived it, and for those who benefit from the life lessons passed on today. The three-part video series is available to watch on the McGaw Y YouTube Channel.
Watch Unforgettable Here
Black Leaders in Evanston with Strong Ties to the Y
Read about Black leaders who have been recognized as dynamic changemakers in Evanston with strong ties to the YMCA.
The Y’s Connection to Black History Month
Did you know that Black History Month has roots associated with the YMCA? Read about the “Father of Black History,” Carter G. Woodson.
