Did you know the origins of Black History Month trace back to the YMCA?
In 1915, Carter G. Woodson arrived in Chicago to attend a national celebration of the 50th anniversary of emancipation sponsored by the state of Illinois. He met with a small group at the Wabash Avenue YMCA in Chicago and formed the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH). This began the foundation that would create Negro History and Literature Week, renamed Negro Achievement Week, later Negro History Week and eventually Black History Month.
At our YMCA, many branches continue to celebrate Black history and culture each February with community events like the ones listed below. More branches and locations coming soon!
- Alexander Family YMCA
- Durham YMCAs
- Kraft Family YMCA: Black-Owned Business Vendor Fair | Durham Walking Tour
- Northwest Cary YMCA
- Southeast Raleigh YMCA
- Taylor Family YMCA
