As a statewide movement, the YMCAs in New York State unequivocally believe that equity and justice are the rights of everyone. We stand in solidarity with African American and Black communities across our state and nation in grieving the loss of too many Black and Brown men and women who have been killed.

New York State’s YMCAs stand against racism, prejudice, and violence and recognize the need for focused efforts to address root causes of systemic racism in the broader communities we serve. We accept the responsibility to help resolve the obstacles within our culture that stand in the way of full equity and inclusion for all.  

YMCA programs are critical because they enhance the collective wellbeing of our communities. It is within our YMCA communities that people come together to celebrate our shared humanity and remember that what unites us will always be stronger than what divides us. Yet, we have much work ahead.  

Our YMCAs will continue to ensure that communities have spaces for people to gather, regardless of who we are, the color of our skin, what we believe or how we identify. We will continue to promote a healthy mind, body, and spirit for every person. As the statewide YMCA community, we ask that the communities we serve stand with us against these unbearable injustices.