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.

Read More

Triathlete Story: All About the Magnificent Mari!

Mari Ruddy is a Minneapolis local who has worn many career hats throughout the years. She is an amateur recreational triathlete, cyclist and runner that has participated in more than 40 triathlons, including a Half Ironman In this Q&A, Mari shares her story about how she started competing in triathlons, overcoming her health concerns, ways to stay motivated, the best advice she has for others and why she loves YWCA Minneapolis!

Read More