Guided Tour the Historic Former Wabash YMCA, the Birthplace of Black History Month

The Wabash Y was the heart of cultural and economic progress for African Americans in the Bronzeville region of Chicago for over half a century and is hailed as the birthplace of Black History Month.

Visitors will be led by TRC staff through a guided tour of the building augmented with a collection of newly compiled vintage photos and archived newspaper articles so that attendees can fully see and experience the impact this building had in the lives of several thousand black Chicago residents in the 20th Century.

Although TRC’s mission is promoting self-sufficiency, the organization was founded in 1992 to restore and preserve the Historic Former Wabash Y. When asked what the tours will accomplish, Patricia Abrams, Founder and Executive Director of TRC, stated: “Just as Carter G. Woodson believed when he created Negro History Week, we believe that learning about the achievements of prominent Black figures in our communities will not only reduce racism but more importantly for African Americans, it will strengthen our cultural identity and inspire us to set our ambitions high, even if it means restarting or a reset of our life’s goals and aspirations.”

Visitors must RSVP by 4 pm CT on Eventbrite the day prior to the in-person tour. The tours will be held on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month at 10:30 am CT. at 3763 S. Wabash Ave. The tours are free, but a donation of $20 to TRC is suggested.

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The Renaissance Collaborative (TRC) is a community-based 501(c)3 social impact organization that provides affordable housing, workforce development, employment, and educational services and solutions to Bronzeville and its adjacent communities.TRC was founded in 1992 by four historic African American churches to save the Historic Wabash YMCA from demolition. Now, the historic building houses The Renaissance Apartments, helping formerly homeless adults improve and rebuild their lives with comprehensive supportive services that have enabled its residents to regain their place in their families and communities.