At the Y, we celebrate our diversity and the histories, cultures, and contributions of our African American community members.
Celebrate Black History Month: Events Around St. Louis
| Event Title | Organization | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Black History Month Scavenger Hunt | Richmond Heights Memorial Library | ALL MONTH |
| Black History Trivia Night | Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. | February 8 |
| Black History Month Celebration | City of Florissant | February 9 |
| African American History - Zoom Presentation | Bellefontaine Cemetery | February 14 |
| Black History Vendor Fair | Harris Stowe State University | February 15 |
| Black History Month: Joy, Arts, Community | Missouri History Museum | February 20 |
| Sojourner Truth and Me | Jefferson County Library - Arnold | February 22 |
Find out how you can celebrate Black History Month this year with the Y!
Black History Gala
We're excited for our 2nd Annual Black History Gala on Sunday, February 23, 5-8 pm, and so are you - tickets are officially sold out!
Already secured your tickets? Meet our keynote speaker below!
Black History Tour
We invite you to stop by a few host Ys to join in the festivities with games, learning about black history at the Y, and building relationships throughout the month. Check out our lineup for 2025:
- Bayer YMCA | 11:30 am - 1:30 pm
- Mid-County YMCA | 4-6 pm
- Emerson YMCA | 3-5 pm
We Wear Black - February 28
Please join us and other Ys across the country in wearing black on Friday, February 28 in honor of those who have made sacrifices for equity, to celebrate Black History, and to take a stand against injustice and systemic racism.
Meet Our Keynote Speaker for the Black History Gala!
Dr. Linda Peterson, a native of St. Louis, MO, is the owner and Executive Director of Changes Therapeutic Services, LLC, in Maryland Heights and St. Ann, MO. She is a licensed Psychotherapist and Clinical Supervisor dedicated to providing clinical counseling, mentorship, and professional development to various schools, churches, and organizations throughout Missouri.
Black Leaders at the Gateway Region YMCA
Ms. Ruby
Madeliene Brice
Lennox Forrester
Trista "Tee" Haynes
Deanna London
Phedra Nelson
Ken Strawbridge
Renee Tillman
Black Love Day
Black Love Day falls on February 13 every year since it was founded in 1993. This spiritual holiday is rooted in African cultures and ideas, and the aim is to complete the five Tenets: to practice love toward "the Creator, for Self, for the Family, within the Black Community and for the Black Race" for 24 hours, according to the African American Registry.