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 past Black life to have a significant impact. Learn more about the Black History Month’s roots with the YMCA.
Discover the Y’s Connection to Black History Month – McGaw YMCA
The Emerson Street Y: An Unforgettable Legacy
The YMCA has been in Evanston for 137 years. For much of this time, Evanston had two branches: the Evanston YMCA, known today as McGaw YMCA, which was founded in 1885 and open to young white men; and the Emerson Street YMCA, which was opened in 1914 as a place for Black Evanstonians until it was closed in 1969 following desegregation of Y facilities. We invite you to celebrate and honor the unforgettable history of the Emerson Street Y.
Emerson Street Branch YMCA – McGaw YMCA
Start the month by watching our three-part video series, Unforgettable: Memories of the Emerson Street Branch YMCA. We encourage you to reflect upon the legacy of the Emerson Street Y as an anchor of Evanston’s Black community between 1909 and 1969.
Watch the three-part series on the McGaw Y YouTube Channel
Join Us for We Wear Black on February 24
As part of Black History Month, we invite you to join the Y’s National African American Resource Network, McGaw YMCA, and other YMCA’s across the nation for We Wear Black on Friday, February 24. This year’s We Wear Black is intended to commemorate the renaissance, resistance, and rejoicing that makes the African American experience unique. You’re invited to join us and wear black on February 24 to show your support of advancing racial justice, health, and healing for generations to come. Not stopping by the Y on that day? Wear black, take a photo, and post on social media with a short statement on why you wear black. Be sure to use the hashtag #WeWearBlack and tag @mcgawymca. Encourage others to post and engage!