Blackness itself means so many things in our past, present, and future so you can’t sum it up with words. It’s a culture, a fashion, an unwritten constitution, a lens, a lifestyle, an expectation, a feeling, a motivator, the change, the radicality, the possibility, the past, the present, the future; it’s everything. Y-WE participant, Indigo, shares her experience with Blackness, whitewashing, and more.
Our Co-Executive Director Reagan Jackson is reimagining a Black History Month that is not about proving her humanity or worth or even educating others. She’s turning inward, asking if we are our ancestors’ wildest dreams, what dreams do we seed into black futures?
Y-WE strives to create a safe space for young people and adults as we learn, grow, and thrive in community. Our community is struggling to make ends meet, which inhibits the ability to thrive. We support the I-135 ballot initiative that will provide critical social housing across Seattle.
We always encourage our young participants to use their voice and strive for change in their communities. One way to do this is to engage with local lawmakers. However, this process is often very inaccessible and confusing. Check out our step-by-step process for getting involved in the 2023 Washington State legislative session!
We are proud to announce that we are living out our values by centering joy and deep rest this winter. This is the second year we will be taking a wellness break, and we are grateful for our community who supports us in feeling empowered to do so.
Today we are highlighting one of our alum, Ahshah Kennedy. Ahshah first participated in Y-WE Grow in 2021. She shares that Y-WE influenced her to step into her leadership and participate in advocate for her community members.