Our healthcare system is a maze for most, let alone folks who are furthest from privilege and opportunity. Studies show that for Black women especially face challenges receiving respect and care from medical professionals. That’s why peer-support and advocacy programs like YWCA’s BABES Network can be so crucial.

How can we build better communities where everyone is welcome and safe? We sat down with safe streets advocate and bus enthusiast Jazmine Smith to talk about how cities are designed in ways that are hostile to Black women.

For Pride month, we’re sharing the words and stories of Black trans womxn. In light of ongoing murders of and attacks on Black trans women and folx, it is crucial that we not only say the names of those we’ve lost, but also support the Black trans womxn in the present by elevating their voices and advocating for their safety.

YWCA is working hard to re-employ King County residents by providing relevant job training and placement services. The Economic Advancement team is striving to build equity in our community through a new program called Work$Ready.

Night after night for the past week, we have witnessed thousands of people filling the streets in cities across the United States to demand justice for George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Tony McDade, and other victims of state-sanctioned violence and systemic racism.

Right now, one of the most important ways we can all keep our community healthy and safe is by staying home. However, systemic injustices that prevent someone from staying home safely reveal the broken systems and long-standing equity barriers in our society.