Fan Favorite: Facing Forsyth County's Past & Honoring Its Descendants
Release Date: 09/03/2025
Turning Retirement into a Mission: Expanding Access to Camp
(Y) Connect
Today, we’re joined by Darrell Edquist, a member of the Community Engagement Board at the Isakson/Alpharetta Family YMCA, who has turned his retirement into something incredibly meaningful. Darrell set a personal goal to help 4,000 children—kids who might not otherwise have the opportunity—experience summer camp at the Y. And he didn’t just set the goal—he got to work. As of last week, he’s already raised enough support to send 74 kids to camp this summer. It’s a powerful reminder of what’s possible when someone decides to use their time, their relationships, and their energy...
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Fan Favorite: Dr. Lori Duckett on Inclusion & Impact at the Y
(Y) Connect
Today on (Y) Connect, we’re honored to welcome Dr. Lori Duckett—physician, advocate, and proud member of the Andrew & Walter Young Family YMCA. Dr. Duckett is a passionate supporter of inclusive sports and has been instrumental in introducing Special Olympics programming to the Y. Her leadership is helping to ensure that athletes of all abilities feel seen, supported, and celebrated. In today’s episode, we’ll hear how Dr. Duckett’s medical background, personal experiences, and unwavering belief in equity have shaped her journey—and how the Y community is growing stronger and...
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Y Member Trinity Smith Helps Teen Girls Thrive
(Y) Connect
Today, we’re joined by Trinity Smith, a high school senior and member of the East Lake Family YMCA who is already making an incredible impact in her community. Through her nonprofit Roots In Her Health, Trinity leads weekly wellness sessions for middle school girls at the Y, creating a space where they can slow down, talk openly, learn about their health and well-being, and build confidence in who they are. Her work was inspired by her own experience growing up with a chronic illness and learning how important it is for young people to understand their bodies and advocate for...
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Y Summer Camp Turns Into a Lifetime Together
(Y) Connect
Every now and then, we get to share a story that just makes you smile from the very beginning. And this is one of those. Back in the summer of 1989, at YMCA Camp High Harbour, two teenagers met on the shores of Lake Burton. Think mix tapes, handwritten notes in camp mailboxes, long days on the dock, and campfire songs under the North Georgia sky. They spent that summer leading, laughing, and becoming friends in the way only camp can create. Then life took over. They went their separate ways. College. Careers. Marriage. Children. Health challenges: big milestones and hard seasons. Nearly thirty...
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You Belong Here
(Y) Connect
Today we’re talking about something that sits at the heart of our new Strategic Plan’s PEOPLE goal: building community within the YMCA. We’re joined by three leaders who live this work every day: Timika Tucker from the Robert D. Fowler Y, Keeley Chester from the Forsyth County Family Y, and Shirene Sethi from the Carl E. Sanders at Buckhead Family Y. Each of them leads the membership experience at their YMCA. They’re the people thinking deeply about what it feels like when someone walks through our doors for the first time, when a member is struggling, when a family is trying to find...
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A Living Legacy
(Y) Connect
This February, as we recognize Black History Month and its 100th anniversary, we’re honored to be joined by brothers Andrew Young and Walter Young, namesakes of the Andrew & Walter Young Family YMCA. Ambassador Andrew Young’s life of service spans the civil rights movement, Congress, the United Nations, and the Mayor’s Office here in Atlanta. Throughout it all, his leadership has been grounded in dignity, justice, and a deep belief in the power of people and community. Dr. Walter Young has led with that same spirit through healthcare, education, and civic life, showing what...
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Lauren Koontz on the Next Chapter of the Y
(Y) Connect
When we launched Y Connect in November 2022, one of our very first guests was our President and CEO, Lauren Koontz. At the time, we were just beginning this storytelling journey, and the Y was navigating a world still finding its footing after the pandemic. Fast forward to today. Lauren has now served as President and CEO of the YMCA of Metro Atlanta for more than six years, leading the organization through moments of challenge, growth, and transformation. This month, the Y officially launches its new three-year strategic plan, a plan shaped by deep listening, data, and a clear belief in the...
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Fan Favorite: The Legacy of South Fulton Running Partners and the YMCA
(Y) Connect
Today on (Y) Connect, we're thrilled to highlight the story of a community rooted in strength, endurance, and an unwavering commitment to health and wellness. Joining us is Monte Fowler, a veteran member of the South Fulton Running Partners—the nation's oldest Black recreation running group. For decades, this remarkable group has shared a deep connection with the Andrew & Walter Young Family YMCA, fostering a space where individuals unite to run and uplift one another. Monte brings a unique perspective as someone who grew up at the Y served on the YMCA board, and has dedicated years to...
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YMCA’s New National Campaign: No Place Like This Place
(Y) Connect
The YMCA has launched a new national brand campaign titled No Place Like This Place. At its heart, the campaign captures something many of us instinctively know to be true: the Y is more than a building, a workout, or a program. It’s a place where connection happens, where people belong, and where lives are shaped in quiet and meaningful ways every single day. To help us tell the story behind the campaign, we’re joined by two leaders who play an important role in bringing it to life. James Reynolds, our Chief Marketing Officer, and Kristin McEwen, our Chief Experience Officer. Together,...
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What 2025 Taught Us at (Y) Connect
(Y) Connect
Before we jump into another year of Y Connect, we wanted to pause and look back. 2025 was a meaningful year for this podcast. We sat down with members, staff, partners, and community leaders who reminded us why the YMCA matters and how deeply it shows up in people’s lives. We heard stories of belonging, resilience, leadership, and impact that stayed with us long after the microphones were turned off. Today, we are reflecting on our favorite moments from this past year, the conversations that surprised us, what we learned about the YMCA that we didn’t fully understand before, and what...
info_outlineIn this Fan Favorite Episode, we delve into a story of resilience, reconciliation, and community spirit. Forsyth County, with its complex history, is making strides towards healing and inclusivity. Joining us on (Y) Connect is Durwood Sneed, an organizer of the Forsyth Descendants Scholarship, a pivotal initiative aimed at honoring and supporting the descendants of those who were unjustly expelled from the county, a racial cleansing campaign that took place in 1912 forcing Black residents out of the county. Additionally, we are joined by Joshua Byrd, a descendant who bravely returned to Forsyth County and shared his inspiring journey during the recent Juneteenth celebration hosted by the Forsyth County Family YMCA. This was the second year the Y’s Caroline Del Carmen organized this community-wide event and she rounds out the conversation as well.
IN THIS EPISODE:
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(02:03) Zarinah introduces the subject of today's podcast
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(03:23) Listen to a clip of Joshua speaking at an event, explaining why he decided to move back to Forsyth County
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(08:33) Joshua shares the Strickland Family’s ancestry
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(15:33) Caroline describes her part in organizing the Juneteenth event in Forsyth County
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(20:23) Durwood discusses how he worked hard to alleviate fear around the event, and Joshua talks about how he was excited about the expression of love
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(23:49) Durwood explains the Forsyth Descendants Scholarship and how he learned about the events of 1912
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(29:34) Joshua discusses what the scholarship program means to him and his family. Durwood comments on how the program is making a change and how the media and politicians spin race issues
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(38:33) Caroline shares what plans they have for the future
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(41:52) The guests share their Pathway to the Y
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
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In 1912, black families were evicted from Forsyth County.
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In 1987, Forsyth County, Georgia, was known as the most racist county in America. The goal is to make it known as the country known for love.
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The answer to this crisis is to acknowledge it happened, shine a light on it, and ensure it never happens again.
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BIOGRAPHY:
Josh Byrd is deeply committed to positively impacting and creating environments that foster love, kindness, and positivity. His work aims to uplift and empower individuals, helping them reach their full potential in both personal and professional aspects of life. As a seasoned business owner, wellness professional and operator of a thriving barbershop for over seven years, he has dedicated his career to fostering community, nurturing growth, and promoting holistic well-being. His diverse background in youth mentorship, coaching, and community activities has shaped his approach to creating inclusive, supportive spaces that serve personal and community needs.
Durwood Snead is the co-founder and a leader of the Forsyth Descendants Scholarship, a college scholarship for descendants of African Americans violently expelled from the county in 1912. Durwood is a retired pastor from North Point Ministries, where he directed North Point’s global(x) international ministry for almost eighteen years. Before transitioning to vocational ministry, Durwood spent 26 years in business, holding executive positions at CMD Group, AC Nielsen, and Duracell. He also serves on three other non-profit boards. Durwood and his wife Judi have lived in Forsyth County, Georgia, for 35 years, and they make regular visits to see their five children and sixteen grandchildren.
Caroline del Carmen started working with the Y in Montgomery, Alabama in 2006. Her journey began as a volunteer swim coach when her three children joined the Y’s swim team. Since then, she has worked as a Senior Director in aquatics, sports, and wellness. She is currently the Aquatics Director of the Forsyth County Family YMCA and for the past two years has led the planning and execution of Forsyth County’s Juneteenth Celebration.