Honoring Black History: Lessons from the Past, Action for the Future

As Black History Month begins, recent political moves serve as a stark reminder that the fight for equity and inclusion is ongoing.

While national conversations attempt to diminish the importance of recognizing Black history, YWCA Lancaster reaffirms its commitment to celebrating and amplifying Black voices—not just in February, but every day. Black history is American history, and its lessons continue to shape the work we do in our communities.

From fearless journalists like Ida B. Wells to local trailblazers like Lydia Hamilton Smith and Rita Smith-Wade-El, Black leaders have long challenged injustice, fought for education and civil rights, and carved out spaces for progress. Their legacies remind us that silence enables oppression, and real change comes when we rise together.

The struggle for justice is not confined to the past—it is a call to action in the present. Whether through voting, education, or community advocacy, we all have a role in building a more just and equitable future. Read the full column here.

This piece is co-authored by Isabel Castillo, director of YWCA Lancaster’s Center for Racial and Gender Equity, and Susan Knoll, chief mission officer for YWCA Lancaster.