EVENTS TO HIGHLIGHT DELAWARE TRAILBLAZERS
Wilmington, Delaware – The YMCA of Delaware is excited to celebrate Black History Month with a lineup of events in February. The Y prides itself in being an inclusive organization committed to welcoming all people regardless of ethnicity, race, religion, or background. They believe that in a diverse world, communities are stronger when we are inclusive, when the Ys doors are open to all, and when everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.
This year, the YMCA will be recognizing “Delaware’s Trailblazers”. Community members are welcome to join one of the upcoming events listed below that are designed to celebrate Black history, amplify Black voices, and highlight local Black-owned businesses.
Walnut Street YMCA
Saturday, February 3rd
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Join the Walnut Street Y for a Black History Celebration of Delaware Trailblazers in partnership with New Castle County Parks and Recreation. The event will feature history boards, performances, activities for kids, market vendors, food, and more. This event is free and open to the community.
Middletown Family YMCA
Saturday, February 17th
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
The Middletown Family Y is excited to welcome The Amazing Author Catalog and Book Fair to celebrate Black History Month and highlight authors who collaborate passionately to cultivate diversity in literature. Come support literacy and inclusion while fostering a love of reading with an array of options.
Bear-Glasgow Family YMCA
Monday, February 19th
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Panel Discussion
Join YMCA of Delaware President and CEO Jarrett Royster as he moderates a discussion with trailblazing community leaders in various sectors. Panelists include:
- Ivan Thomas, Founder of DETV
- Lanice Wilson, Founder of The Juice Joint 2.0
- Tawanda Bond, Senior Director of Teaching and Learning Red Clay Consolidated School District
- Seun Ross, Executive Director of Health Equity Independence Blue Cross
- Norman M. Oliver, Civic Servant, and Serial Entrepreneur Stormin Normin
Black Owned Business EXPO
4 – 7 p.m.
This exciting event, in partnership with Women With A Vision, will feature a variety of vendors selling unique and high-quality products and services. There will also be delicious food, music, and art on display. Come support and uplift small businesses in our community while celebrating the rich culture and history of the Black community.
Nic Snow Band Performance
4 – 7 p.m.
Join us for an afternoon of celebration with the Nic Snow Band! Nic Snow is a product of Delaware’s most prestigious music institutions – Christina Cultural Arts Center and Cab Calloway School of the Arts. Nic electrifies audiences with emotional performances, filling every release with his rich storytelling and soulful melodies.
WE WEAR BLACK
YMCA of Delaware employees will once again take part in the #wewearblack initiative and will wear black each Friday in February.
- We wear black to honor the struggle of those who came before us.
- 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 in unity with those who are working daily to fight injustice, prejudice, and inequity.
- We wear black to do our part to ensure that future generations have great opportunities and access to thrive.
About the YMCA of Delaware
The YMCA of Delaware is Delaware’s largest nonprofit organization committed to empowering youth, fostering healthy living, and promoting strong communities. With seven branches statewide, a youth resource center, and an overnight camp and conference center in Worton, Maryland, the Y has developed longstanding relationships and a physical presence in Delaware so it can deliver lasting personal and social change. We are committed to serving everyone – regardless of age, income or background –nurturing the potential of every child and teen, improving Delaware’s health and wellbeing, and creating a healthy, inclusive community where all people reach their full potential. www.ymcade.org.
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