Our Voices Blog
Understanding and Acknowledging Juneteenth
Our country was founded on the genocide of Native Americans and the enslavement of Africans. When the forefathers of this nation wrote "liberty and justice for all," the "all" did not include the surviving Native population and enslaved Africans. Our country was founded upon the complete dehumanization of Black and Brown people, a history, a philosophical phenomenon, we have not yet reconciled or recovered from.
Diapers for Days!
Our community partner, Diaper Bank of Minnesota, is an organization that provides diapers to families in need. They also work to increase awareness of the need for diapers for families and advocates for better conditions for babies in need of diapers.
Meet Our Capitol Pathways Intern, Ola!
Meet Olaitan Olanrewaju (Ola), our Capitol Pathways intern and a third-year University of Minnesota student studying Strategic Communications and English Literature! The Minnesota Capitol Pathways Program opens access to policymaking and public service to the next generation of leaders who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC).
Pushing Through Fear: Learning to Swim as an Adult
April is Adult Learn to Swim Month! To celebrate, we are sharing the story of one of our health and wellness members, Mae Brooks, who learned to swim with YWCA Minneapolis adult swim lessons. Read how Mae pushed herself to try new things in her personal and professional life, to lean into discomfort and push her boundaries.
20 Years Strong with YWCA Minneapolis
My wife and I joined YWCA Minneapolis, but she is not a biker and I’ve been biking for 50 years! Shortly after joining, I met group fitness instructor Carrie Carroll. [Carrie began her journey with YWCA as a member and was recruited by a group fitness instructor to start teaching classes nearly 21 years ago!] She's very clear about saying do what you can do.
Race Against Racism 2K/5K Goes Indoors!
The sun was shining on a bright February morning and the racers were at the starting line, ready to kick off our third annual Race Against Racism! Over 140 racers joined us in the Minneapolis Sports Center at YWCA Midtown for a 2K/5K race to raise awareness of the systemic racism that permeates our community and take steps toward equity and justice.
Meet our Pickleball Stars —Mackenzie and Luke
We recently learned how Mackenzie and Luke went from becoming members of YWCA Minneapolis to starting their Pickleball league!