The McGaw YMCA celebrates Black History Month as an important opportunity to learn and reflect. Rooted in our mission, the McGaw Y strives to be a welcoming place of belonging for all who walk through our doors.
This month—and every month—we reaffirm our commitment to being a place where everyone can learn, grow, and connect. We encourage you to explore the YMCA’s connection to Black History Month, read about Black leaders in the Y movement, and participate in events throughout Evanston to deepen your understanding and contribute to the ongoing conversation.
Discover the Y’s Connection to Black History Month
In 1915, at the Wabash Avenue YMCA in Chicago, Carter G. Woodson organized the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, which researched and celebrated the achievements of Black Americans. This led to his starting Negro History Week, the precursor to Black History Month.
Discover the Y’s Connection to Black History Month – McGaw YMCA
Read About Black Leaders Within the Y Movement
As we celebrate Black History Month, we are honoring the stories of Black leaders who helped move the YMCA – and America – forward, as well as recognizing that history continues to be created each and every day.
The Emerson Street Y: An Unforgettable Legacy
The YMCA has been a part of Evanston for over 139 years. For much of that time, the city had two branches: the Evanston YMCA, now known as McGaw YMCA, established in 1885 and the Emerson Street YMCA, which opened in 1914 to serve Black Evanstonians until it closed in 1969 following the desegregation of Y facilities. We invite you to celebrate the remarkable legacy of the Emerson Street YMCA.
Emerson Street Branch YMCA – McGaw YMCAÂ
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.
EVENTS
Join Us for We Wear Black on February 28
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 day on Friday, February 28. We wear black to honor the struggle of those who came before us and to do our part to ensure those who come after us have a greater opportunity to thrive. Join us and wear black on this day to show your support. #WeWearBlack
City of Evanston Black History Month Events
Visit the City of Evanston’s Black History Month webpage for a listing of local events in the community.
Black History Month | City of Evanston