By Sharmen Gowens
YWCA of Greater Atlanta celebrates 120 years this year. Since 1902, we have been a force for change for women and girls in the metropolitan Atlanta community. Founded on the campus of Spelman College, ours is a history of mobilizing resources to identify community problems, advocate for solutions and create more equitable communities in and around Atlanta. This year is important on many fronts, and as we look back, there is a link that connects us to our past, is part of our present and will continue to shape our future.
The year 1902 is a special part of my own history. It’s the year my father was born. The man who helped shaped my beliefs and passions and drive for equity. A man who taught me about dignity and justice and respect. And, a man who was smart enough to marry my mother who rounded out my character and showed us all unconditional love, purpose of life and what we could do if we believed and persevered.
Ten years later in 1912, Dorothy Height was born. Dr. Height trailblazed the intersection of gender and race activism within the civil rights movement and joined the YWCA in 1937 rising high in YW’s national organization. During her tenure she influenced YWCA to become actively involved in the Civil Rights Movement and lead the organization to end separate leadership conferences—one for blacks and one for whites, as was the custom of that day. She traveled the nation helping local chapters implement interracial charters.
Fast forward 100 years to 2012, the year I was named interim CEO of YWCA of Greater Atlanta, and then in 2015 became CEO.
A lot has changed in 120 years, and a lot has remained too much the same. It is a journey we are on and one that will continue as we work toward our mission of eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.
Dr. Dorothy Height was given a platform to help countless others see the opportunity that equity could play in all our lives.
One such person who had the opportunity to meet and work with Dr. Height is our Lifetime Honorary Board member, Ann Stallard. Here is what Ann had to say:
“I met Dr. Dorothy Irene Height when I was an 18-year-old student attending a YWCA “training” session at the University of Kentucky. As a little traveled white girl from the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia, I had never heard or seen such an elegantly dressed woman speak so powerfully and eloquently. She seemed to be about seven feet tall in my eyes as she explained why it was important to think about what we did every day and how I, in particular, needed to find my purpose in life as soon as possible. And if nothing else, I could live a life being helpful and removing barriers for others. What barriers? She carefully and clearly explained the intersection of racism and sexism. I had never heard those words connected as Dr. Height forged onward. She became the Director for the National YWCA Racial Justice Center after working for years in the National YWCA office in New York. Under her guidance and constant teaching, I became involved with the YWCA and its mission, which Dr. Height made come alive every time she spoke. We had many wonderfully illuminating sessions huddled as close to her as possible. She in her matching hat and shoes, tailored suits and fine purse, set an image for thousands of young women and yes, some men, to stand up, declare our purpose in life was to believe in the barrier-breaking love of God, the joy and power of belonging, and the possibility of being transformed by having a purpose. Yes, Dr. Height had an enormous influence on my life to this day. “
We continue this path of being a voice for change and providing access through our programs that focus on three key areas: (a) education and empowerment; (b) advocacy and racial justice; and ( c) health and wellness. It is why we choose to be the leading community voice for advocacy, support and empowerment of women as we dismantle structural barriers at the intersection of race, class and gender.
As we recognize our journey over these last 120 years, we look ahead to the next milestones and believe that the work we are doing today–teaching women to become advocates for social justice and fair policies; teaching women and girls digital skills and leadership skills to prepare them for better jobs/careers that will pay fair and livable wages; making available health access for women who are uninsured or underinsured; providing early education for young children which sets them up for success in school and allows their working moms and dads to do their jobs effectively, especially those essential workers.
In the next 120 years, we can only hope that our mission is accomplished.
