Celebrating Black History
We honor and celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of Black people who have guided our country’s growth and progress.
Celebrate Black History
While February is Black History Month, we take time to remember and celebrate the amazing contributions of African Americans throughout history year-round. We remember the struggles and hardships they faced, like slavery and segregation, and we honor the activists, scholars, and everyday people who worked hard to make things better. We also pledge to keep working for equity and justice for all.
Although we celebrate Black brilliance in February, we work to support, honor, and open space every month of the year.
Celebrate With Us
Message from the President
At the YMCA of Greater Seattle, we are proud to be an organization that honors this month by reaffirming our commitment to equity and justice for all.
We Wear Black – February 28, 2025
A campaign to bring awareness to systemic racism and oppression of Black people. Share a photo in your We Wear Black t-shirt and tag us: @YMCASeattle #WeWearBlack.
Haircare for Black Swimmers
Learn with the Y and celebrity hairstylist Jamie Elmore, as we discuss diversity in swim, culture, history, and haircare for Black swimmers.
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Swim Equity, Now & Then
Content warning: some historical images of harm against Black community are depicted.
The forgotten “wade-ins” that transformed the US
Published by Vox
Excerpt: When we think of the iconic moments of the Civil Rights Movement in the US, we might imagine bus boycotts, lunch counter sit-ins, or the March on Washington. Most of us won’t think of protests at beaches and pools. Yet these battles in the country’s waters played a crucial role in transforming America.
Why So Many Black People In The U.S. Can't Swim
Published by AJ+
Excerpt: In the United States, 64% of Black children can’t swim. As a result, they are 3x more likely to drown than white children their same age. But how did this happen? We take a look at the social history of America’s pools and how racial segregation shaped the current climate in pools across the country.
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Black History Month Stories
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Equity & Justice for All
Center of Excellence
The Y is committed to become an anti-racist organization.
Will you join us on our journey?
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MORE WAYS TO ENGAGE WITH THE Y
Equity and Justice for All
This community fund is the engine that drives innovation, learning, and action in creating equitable and just communities that thrive.
Unleashing Potential for All
Catch up on our series of equity and justice for all in athletics from non-traditional sports, to the Olympics, to young athlete leaders in our community.
Diversity & Inclusion
The Y is a place where people of all backgrounds, faiths and other dimensions of diversity can come together, strengthen community together, and gain a greater appreciation for one another.
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