At the March 21 Transform Westside Summit, the spirit of Women’s History Month was front and center as we gathered to honor the powerful legacy of women on Atlanta’s Historic Westside—and look ahead to the future being built through collective action, community voice and collaboration.
Westside Future Fund (WFF) President & CEO John Ahmann and co-host Ebony Ford, a proud English Avenue resident and community advocate, opened the Summit by reflecting on the pivotal role women have played—and continue to play—in shaping the Westside community.
“Here on the historic Westside, women have played a very vital role in shaping our neighborhoods, leading change and uplifting others,” said Ford. “As we reflect on the past, we also focus on the future, empowering young women and ensuring they have the opportunities to lead and thrive.”
Key Highlights From the Discussion
YWCA Phillis Wheatley Revitalization Project
This month’s featured program spotlighted the revitalization of the historic Phillis Wheatley YWCA, an iconic Westside landmark founded in 1951 that served generations of residents before closing in 2017. The YWCA Greater Atlanta is now leading a transformation effort to restore and reopen the facility as a hub for women, children and families—offering early learning, workforce development, health services and more.
YWCA Greater Atlanta President & CEO Danita Knight and Board Member Sarah Irvin, who also serves as the Committee Chair of the Phillis Wheatley Westside YWCA revitalization campaign, shared updates on the project’s progress and its community-informed approach. Through a series of “social circles” hosted with local women, the team listened to residents’ needs and priorities before designing programming. Partnerships with CHRIS 180, Morehouse School of Medicine and the YMCA of Metro Atlanta are already in place to bring services directly to the Westside.
“What Phillis Wheatley became is what we do at YWCA Greater Atlanta every single day,” said Knight. “We take women who already have the natural skills and abilities, and we pour into them to help them move from just merely surviving to thriving. That’s why this is so important.”
This project is a recommitment to preserving legacy while investing in future generations. “This will be a safe space for women, girls and families,” said Knight. “Historically, it was a safe space and a gathering space, and we’re bringing that back.”
As a tribute to the site’s legacy, the YWCA team has also preserved the original building’s facade.
To close the program, attendees shared questions and reflections—ranging from opportunities for local entrepreneurs to engage in the work to the importance of inclusive development and early childhood education.
Couldn’t make it? Don’t worry — you can watch the full March Transform Westside Summit on our Youtube.