February is Black History Month. It’s a time to celebrate, acknowledge, and learn about the many amazing achievements and contributions of Black Canadians, as well as those around the globe. And while it is a great opportunity to focus and learn, we also believe that this learning isn’t limited to just one month.
As a way to continue the conversation and celebrate Black excellence on an ongoing basis, our PlusOne Mentoring matches—both mentors and mentees—created Instagram posts to highlight the many incredible leaders and individuals who have made an impact.
We’ll be sharing these posts on the @ymca.nextgen Instagram account - an account designed for young people - over the coming months. We invite you to follow our Instagram page for the latest posts to learn along with us. In addition, we will also be updating this page with helpful tools and resources associated with those posts.
YMCA PlusOne Mentoring Black History Resources:
Plusone Black History Spotlight - Martin Luther King Jr.
The last in our Plusone Black History month series is a true legend. Martin Luther King Jr. was a powerful advocate who experienced lots of injustice in the face of racism. Read the "Letter from a Birmingham Jail" for insight into one of Martin Luther King Jr's experiences. It isn't short, but it is necessary and powerful.
Read the "Letter from a Birmingham Jail"
Plusone Black History Spotlight - Winne Harlow
Learn more about vitiligo and how you can support research.
Visit the Vitiligo Society's Website
Plusone Black History Spotlight: Kobe Bryant
Founded through the vision and loving memory of Kobe and Gianna Bryant, the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to creating a positive impact for underserved athletes and young women in sports.
Learn more about the foundation
Plusone Black History Spotlight: 50 Cent
Learn more about the G-Unity Foundation and how it helps to empower American youth.
Learn about G-Unity Foundation
Plusone Black History Spotlight: Alicia Garza
Learn more about Alicia Garza and the #BlackLivesMatter movement’s origins
Plusone Black History Spotlight: Nelson Mandela
Learn how you can take action and inspire change.
Visit the Nelson Mandela Foundation's Website
Plusone Black History Spotlight: Tupac
Learn more about Tupac’s legacy and how the Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation makes an impact every day.
Visit the Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation's Website
Plusone Black History Spotlight: Balarama Holness
Learn more about Balarama Holness and why he wants to run for mayor in 2021 in Montreal.
Plusone Black History Spotlight - Beyoncé
Learn more about Black Lives Matter and find helpful resources
Visit Black Lives Matter's Website
PlusOne Black History Spotlight - Barak Obama
Learn more about the Obama Foundation and their mission.