US

Local YMCA Dusts Off Marxist Symbol Made Famous During George Floyd Riots

Zlew42, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

A YMCA facility in Nashville, Tennessee displayed a Black History Month banner prominently featuring a symbol historically associated with Marxism, The Tennessee Star reported Monday.

The Star obtained an image of a raised, clench fist symbol reportedly displayed on a banner in the “Family Fitness Room” at the Margaret Maddox YMCA in Nashville. Although now largely associated with the Black Lives Matter movement and ubiquitous during the summer 2020 riots following the death of George Floyd, the symbol was also historically used by Marxist and black nationalist groups.

In addition to the fist symbol, the banner also featured an image of the African continent and the words “Black History Month,” both in red, yellow and green — a color scheme associated with pan-Africanism. February has been observed annually as Black History Month in the U.S., dating back to the 1970s.

The “raised fist” symbol was “connected to communism,” first used by communists during the Spanish civil war, socialist historian Sheila Rowbatham told The Guardian in 2006.

YMCA describes itself as a Christian youth organization, and its website states that the organization’s mission is “A worldwide charitable fellowship united by a common loyalty to Jesus Christ for the purpose of helping people grow in spirit, mind and body.”

The organization is “for everyone,” according to its website.

“Inspired by our Christian mission, we believe that keeping our doors open to all only strengthens our YMCA and its ability to meet the needs of the communities we serve,” the website states. “In an increasingly global society, fortifying our commitment to inclusive behaviors, policies, and environments is more important than ever. The YMCA values and respects the diverse nature of the individuals and communities we serve, and chooses to be inclusive through its acceptance of all individuals.”

The Margaret Maddox YMCA and the national YMCA organization both did not immediately respond to the Daily Caller News Foundation’s requests for comment.