Leadership and Legacy: Empowering Women on Atlanta's Westside

In the heart of Atlanta's Westside, a beacon of hope and empowerment once stood tall — the Phillis Wheatley YWCA. From the 1950s to the 1970s, this iconic building was more than just a structure; it was a vibrant hub for Atlanta’s Black community, a place where dreams were nurtured, and leaders were born. Today, YWCA of Greater Atlanta is on a mission to revive this historic landmark. 

The Phillis Wheatley YWCA, named after the first Black woman to be published as a poet in the United States, has been closed for over a decade. However, the voices of the Westside women have been loud and clear: "We need this space back." These words resonate deeply with Danita Knight, president and CEO of YWCA of Greater Atlanta, who has committed to restoring this 20,000-square-foot building to its former glory and beyond. 

A Vision for the Future 

The restoration of the Phillis Wheatley YWCA is more than just a facelift; it is a revival of community spirit and leadership. The new YWCA, expected to open in 2025, will feature flexible spaces for health and wellness classes, early learning and tutoring for children, and much more. This transformation is being guided by the insights gathered from focus groups with local residents, ensuring that the facility meets the real needs of the community. 

Collaborative Community Support 

YWCA Greater Atlanta is not undertaking this journey alone. Partnerships with prominent organizations including Morehouse School of Medicine, CHRIS 180, Families First, Westside Future Fund and the YMCA ensure a comprehensive suite of services. From healthcare and mental health support to navigator services that connect clients to specific providers, the new YWCA will be a one-stop shop for empowerment and growth. 

Immediate Impact 

While the grand reopening is slated for late 2025, YWCA is already making strides on Atlanta’s Westside. In temporary space at Westside Works in nearby Vine City, we are offering a Digital Skills Academy — an eight-week course in computer and financial literacy. This proactive approach ensures that the Westside community does not have to wait to start benefiting from essential services. 

Your Role in This Transformation 

Revitalizing the Phillis Wheatley YWCA is a $19.5 million project, and we’ve already raised $15,526,822. But we need your support. This campaign is more than a donation; it is an investment in the future of Atlanta’s Westside. By contributing to this campaign, you are helping to create a space where women and families on Atlanta’s Westside can access the resources they need to thrive. 

Phillis Wheatley was an extraordinary figure in American history. Born in West Africa, she was brought to America and sold into slavery as a child. Despite these harsh beginnings, she exhibited remarkable literary talent and became the first Black woman in the United States to be published as a poet. Wheatley's poetry, which often touched on themes of freedom and human dignity, was widely celebrated during her lifetime, earning her a place among the leading intellectuals of her era. By revitalizing the Phillis Wheatley YWCA, we honor her enduring impact and empower new leaders in Atlanta's Westside. Please join us in bringing this historic building back to life.