CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY AT THE YMCA
At the YMCA, we honor the incredible legacy of Black leaders who have shaped our community and beyond. From the trailblazing James A. Henry, the first African American principal of Howard High School, to Anthony Bowen, founder of the first Black YMCA, these leaders have inspired generations through education, activism, and service. Black History Month is a time to reflect on their achievements and the ongoing impact they have made. Join us as we celebrate these individuals and others who have played a pivotal role in advancing equality and community through the YMCA’s history and continued efforts.
Honoring Local Black Leaders & YMCA Leaders
FEBRUARY CRAFT
FEBRUARY CRAFT
Throughout our branches, we are celebrating Black History Month and that includes special programming for children and families. During the month of February, children participating in Child Watch will have the opportunity to create a unique craft. Using construction paper, the craft will involve creating garland by stringing together red, green and yellow hearts. According to the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the red color symbolizes struggle and sacrifice. Green is for the natural wealth of the land of Africa. Similarly, yellow represents the mineral wealth of some African countries. After completing the craft, the heart garland will be displayed in Child Watch at our branches.
SOUTHERN TEACAKES ORIGIN
Teacakes have deep roots in African American history, dating back more than 250 years. Enslaved people in the southeastern United States developed this soft, aromatic cookie, often served to the guests of slaveholders. In enslaved households, where they did not have access to white flour or sugar, they swapped in molasses and other ingredients. Each family developed its own closely guarded recipe.
Teacakes became a symbol of Southern African American culture, celebrated in poems, songs and stories. In Maya Angelou’s “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” she recalls how Mrs. Bertha Flowers, her Black teacher, made teacakes for her: “The aroma of the freshly baked cookies merged with the rich sound of her voice as she read to me.” For Angelou, teacakes symbolized her self-worth and dignity and her connection to her love of language.
SOUTHERN TEACAKES RECIPE
By Jocelyn Delk Adams (Grandbaby Cakes)
Ingredients
Ingredients
1 ½ cup all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon baking soda
1 stick unsalted butter
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Instructions
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, salt & baking soda. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, add butter & sugar & mix together until fluffy & smooth.
- Add in egg & vanilla & beat until well incorporated.
- Add in flour mixture in intervals of three, mixing after each addition.
- After dough is mixed well, put into a Ziploc bag & place in your refrigerator for at least one hour until firm.
- Once dough is firm, remove from the fridge & preheat your oven to 325°F.
- Line your cookie sheet with parchment paper.
- Scoop cookie dough the size of the tablespoon & roll into a ball. Using your thumb, gently press the center to flatten a bit & place on the sheet.
- Leave at least 1.5 inches between each cookie dough.
- Bake for 9-11 min. until golden brown on the edges.
- Remove from the oven. Let cool for 5-10 min. and serve.
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