January 2023
January 16, 2023: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
February 2023
Black History Month
Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing the central role of blacks in U.S. history. Also known as African American History Month, the event grew out of “Negro History Week,” the brainchild of noted historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African Americans.
Did you know that Black History Month was born at a YMCA in Chicago's Bronzeville neighborhood? Click here to learn more!
We Wear Black
Please join Y-USA’s African American Resource Network (AARN) for the #WeWearBlack event on Friday, February 24, 2023. We want to use the color black during Black History Month to be a symbol of hope, belonging, awareness and togetherness.
- We wear black to bring awareness to the institutional and systemic racism and oppression of black and brown people in the United States and around the world.
- We wear black to honor the struggle of those who came before us.
- We wear black in unity with those who are working daily to fight injustice, prejudice and inequality.
- We wear black to do our part to ensure that future generations have great opportunities and access to thrive.
Capture your #WeWearBlack moment by taking a picture and posting it to social media with #Ywewearblack.
March 2023
Women’s History Month
In March, we commemorate Women’s History Month and mark International Women’s Day on March 8. We are celebrating and reflecting on the roles women play which strengthen communities and advance agendas for the greater good of all people. In looking around our Association, our region and across the globe, we see promising leadership and vision being shown by many women.
Amplify
On March 8, Y-USA’s Women's Leadership Resource Network (WLRN) will be hosting a free virtual experience in celebration of International Women's Day on March 8, 2023. The goal of this virtual experience is to gather women and their allies who work and volunteer for the global Y Movement, to connect, empower, and grow. The theme of International Women’s Day is #EmbraceEquity and we will be addressing the theme throughout the event.
Y-USA will be hosting this virtual event on Zoom, and it is open to all Y employees and volunteers globally at no cost. The virtual event will focus on gender equity, celebrate women’s achievements, and raise awareness for a gender equal world, one free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination. Together we know we can create a world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive.
Click here to register for this virtual event! *You must be logged into LINK to access this event.
May 2023
Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month
National Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is a time to recognize and celebrate the contributions, diverse cultures and the extensive histories of the Asian and Pacific Islander communities. At the Y, we believe our communities are stronger when everyone feels welcome and we work together for the common good. This month and all months, we are celebrating our staff, volunteers, board members and the impact they have made on our community. Click here for more information, images, videos and other material detailing the Asian and Pacific Islander community’s valuable influence in the U.S.
Mental Health Awareness Month
Mental health includes our emotional, psychological and social well-being. Our mental health directly influences how we think, feel, or act. In addition, just as we need to take care of our bodies, we need to take care of our minds as well.
June 2023
Pride Month
Every minute of every day of every month, we strive to fulfill our mission by creating safe spaces for all to feel welcomed, loved and supported so everyone can reach their full potential. The “for all” is at the heart of the Y’s mission and is intentional, purposeful and inclusive. Driven by our commitment to ensuring everyone is treated with compassion and dignity, we are dedicated to supporting and welcoming all adults, youth, members, volunteers, board members and staff. The Y is an organization that is a welcoming place for all.
Juneteenth – June 19
Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States. Juneteenth marks the anniversary of June 19, 1865 the day enslaved African Americans in the state of Texas were informed by Major General Gordan Granger in accordance with a proclamation from the executive decree of the United States, all slaves are free. Since 1865, Juneteenth has largely been celebrated in the African American community.
Click here to learn more about Juneteenth! The YMCA of Northwest North Carolina invites you to join us in raising awareness of Juneteenth’s significance, being part of the reckoning with our shared national history and pursuing the opportunities for a stronger community for all. Click here for upcoming Juneteenth events in Winston-Salem, NC.
August 2023
21 Day Equity Challenge: August 7
Welcome to the YMCA 21-Day Equity Challenge! Get ready to grow and learn with others interested in creating stronger, more united communities. This experience will provide you with the resources and tools needed to take a ‘deep dive’ into topics and issues that impact each of us.
Challenge begins August 7
Click here to learn more and to register!
September 2023
Welcoming Week
September 8-17, the YMCA of Northwest North Carolina will join communities across the nation for Welcoming Week, a Y movement that celebrates our diverse backgrounds and emphasizes the importance of welcoming everyone. At the Y, we are for all. Join your local branch and take part in the fun activities we have planned for you
Learn more about Welcoming Week
Hispanic Heritage Month: September 15-October 15
We celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month to pay tribute to the generations of Hispanic Americans who have positively influenced and enriched our nation and society. Discover documents, exhibits, films, blog posts and more from the National Archives and Presidential Libraries that highlight Hispanic culture. Click here for more information on Hispanic Heritage Month!
Click here to learn more about the 2023 Fiesta event in Winston-Salem!
October 2023
Indigenous Peoples’ Day: October 9
November 2023
Native American Heritage Month