Racial Justice

Chaired by a high school member of the YWCA Board of Directors, this committee, made up of community members and YWCA Board members, spearheads the racial justice work of our YWCA.  The group plans public events such as the Martin Luther King Jr. celebration as well as other educational and awareness activities throughout the year. Our efforts include collaborating with other community organizations to strengthen and expand our efforts. If you are interested in joining this committee please contact Ilene H. Grady at the YWCA who serves on the committee.

YWCA is excited to celebrate Black History Month

The 2025 Black History Month theme, “African Americans and Labor,” is a powerful reflection on the pivotal role that the hard work of African Americans has played in shaping our country’s history. This theme underscores the diverse and significant ways in which labor—whether voluntary or involuntary, skilled or unskilled—has been at the core of the Black American experience. From the agricultural labor of enslaved Africans, which was foundational to the economic systems of this country, to the prosperous establishment of “Black Wall Street” which was a demonstration of the brilliance and resilient abilities of black corporate collaboration, this theme highlights how work has been central to both survival and empowerment.

This year’s theme also touches on how self-help strategies and entrepreneurship in Black communities have provided avenues for economic autonomy and resilience as embraced by the Kwanzaa Principle of “Ujamaa” (cooperative economics). The role of organized labor in challenging both economic and social injustices is highlighted, showcasing how collective action among Black workers has been instrumental in advancing social and political rights. This is a time of reflection on the importance of the Principle of “Ujima” (collective work and responsibility).

By focusing on “African Americans and Labor,” Black History Month in 2025 aims to celebrate and honor these profound contributions, shedding light on how work, both historically and present-day, continues to shape the identity, culture, and economic status of our communities. Let this time of reflection and celebration empower us towards a bright and successful future as we continue to walk and work in our “Nia” (purpose).

Thank you to everyone who attended our sold our 32nd Annual MLK Jr. Commemoration Breakfast.

The YWCA Greater Newburyport would like to thank Rabbi Matthews, Rhina Espaillat, Katrina Hobbs Everett, Jahmo Chavez, Christian Cornelio and Rev Bryan for making our Annual MLK Jr Celebration one to remember!

And congratulations to Ghlee E. Woodworth, the recipient of this year’s Nancy E. Peace Action Against Prejudice Award.

“You can kill the dreamer, but you can’t kill the dream.”

A very special thank you to the Garrison Inn and  Brine for supporting our Martin Luther King event.