Evanston, IL – The McGaw YMCA celebrated its 140th anniversary with a weeklong series of events, including the first-ever YMCA Day in Evanston on November 17, bringing together members, staff, supporters, families, and community friends to honor this milestone.
On YMCA Day, festivities filled the historic building at 1000 Grove Street and the Children’s Center, where guests enjoyed vibrant decorations, signed a giant birthday card, and picked up special YMCA giveaways. The celebration continued into the evening with a community gathering hosted by McGaw Y President & CEO Monique Parsons, featuring an author talk by Morris (Dino) Robinson, founder of the Shorefront Legacy Center who shared reflections about the Emerson Street Branch YMCA from his revised book, Gatherings: The History and Activities of the Emerson Street Branch YMCA. Attendees had the chance to have books signed, view the official YMCA Day Proclamation, and enjoy birthday cake.
Parsons reflected on the Y’s enduring role in Evanston as one of the city’s oldest non-profits, with a history nearly as long as Northwestern University and Evanston Township High School, and as a place where community comes together. “No matter where you live in Evanston, you will come here and experience the totalness of what Evanston means and reflects and represents, and that’s the thing I love most,” she said.
Founded on November 17, 1885, the Evanston YMCA—now McGaw YMCA—has served generations through mission-driven programs, to meet the community’s needs. In the early 20th century, the Evanston Y founded Camp Echo along with several neighborhood branches, including the Emerson Street Branch, a cherished hub for Black Evanstonians until 1967, following the YMCA of the USA’s end to segregated branches nationwide. Robinson emphasized the importance of preserving the legacy of historically Black YMCAs, even when the buildings no longer exist, like the Emerson Street Branch, which was demolished in 1980 after the YMCA sold the property.
Asked how things might have been different if the building still stood, Robinson said, “I think the [Emerson Street Branch YMCA] building would have been a phenomenal addition to the historical context of Evanston.” He noted that Tuskegee students are believed to have traveled to Evanston to help construct and fundraise for the branch, reflecting the broader network of Black educational and community institutions supporting one another during that era. “Writing this book was my way of capturing and honoring those stories [of the Emerson Street Y] before they disappear.” Coverage of the event is available from The Daily Northwestern here.
The week concluded with a Community Family Fun Night Birthday Bash on Friday, Nov. 21, which drew a large and enthusiastic crowd. Families from across Evanston filled the building for a glow-in-the-dark dance party, games, swim activities, movie screenings, creative art projects, and birthday festivities, capping the anniversary celebration with a joyful reminder of the Y’s ongoing role in bringing the community together. Coverage of the event is available from the Evanston RoundTable here.
The Y looks forward to continuing the 140th anniversary celebration in 2026, with more events and activities planned to honor 140 years of service and community impact. For more information, visit mcgawymca.org/anniversary.
