YWCA Brooklyn

This Juneteenth, we celebrate Opal Lee—the “Grandmother of Juneteenth”—whose decades of advocacy helped turn a day of remembrance into a national movement for freedom.

Her work reminds us: freedom is not just remembered; it must be advanced.

At YWCA USA, we remain on a mission to eliminate racism and empower women every day.

Watch her story: https://www.history.com/videos/opal-lee-and-the-fight-for-juneteenth

Today is Juneteenth, a national holiday where we come together as a country to celebrate justice and freedom. This date in 1865 celebrates the end of the Civil War and the end of slavery when the Union Army entered Galveston, Texas to announce that all enslaved people were free. Learn more about the day here: https://bit.ly/4edcSj3

This week we were invited to participate at the Youth Civic Summit by Speaker Julie Menin. Panelists included Jordan J.G. Wright for Harlem, Marc H. Morial, The Office of Council Member Yusef Salaam, and Arva Rice, who led engaging conversations on the power of civic engagement, voting, the Census, and understanding how local government shapes our communities.

Did you know that Civil Rights Activist Pauli Murray stayed at YWCA Harlem when she was attending Hunter College? She was a pivotal figure for racial and social justice that led the YWCA movement to what it is today. This month we honor her legacy and contributions to our society and are proud to have played a small role in her journey. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/4tPsE8h

Brooklyn Pride Festival 2026! We have already seen so many of our partners and friends , thanks to Jo Anne Simon and our friends Sunset Park High School … special shout out to all our YWLEADers, serving Brooklyn today. Happy Pride month!

Brooklyn Pride! We’re out here - so come say hello 🏳️‍🌈