Black history is American history, and at Metta Fund, we believe that Black History Month presents a unique opportunity to celebrate, reflect upon, and honor the achievements, culture, and history of Black leaders, past and present.
No matter the time of year, we must remember and honor the trailblazers who paved the way. It is equally important to recognize and spotlight today’s Black leaders, changemakers, and unsung heroes. In this vein, Metta Fund is committed to lifting up the leadership and dedicated work of Black nonprofit leaders working to advance the health and wellness of our communities.
During Black History Month, we are profiling just a few of the many local Black leaders and Metta Fund partners who are working to advance the health and wellness of San Franciscans.
Black History Month Spotlight:
Tacing Parker
Senior Executive Director
Bayview Hunters Point YMCA
Tacing Parker is no ordinary woman. Her gravitas is commanding, her charisma is magnetic, and her passion for service is infectious.
Throughout her life, Tacing has put others first. A native San Franciscan, she began her career as an after-school tutor and summer camp counselor, and later led violence prevention programs across San Francisco. In 2010, she founded the Truancy Assessment and Resource Center, a one-stop resource center for truancy intervention services and supports, at the San Francisco YMCA. For the past seven years, Tacing has been at the helm at the Bayview Hunters Point YMCA, where she works hard to ensure everyone in the community has a place to go.
“They don’t have to have membership to belong here” she says proudly.
She sees the Bayview Y not only as a safe place for youth, families, and elders, but also as a center of community, where everyone is welcome.
When asked what she does for her own self-care, Tacing laughs and looks away. She says that her job feeds her and that she feels like she was meant to do this work. While others typically need to step away to decompress, she is invigorated and inspired by seeing community elders and youths visiting the Y and accessing the resources to connect and maintain their health and wellness.
Simply put, Tacing is a doer and a changemaker. She advocates for the needs of others and holds a deep commitment to improving the quality of life for children, adults, and families in the Bayview and the entire Bay Area.
Metta Fund is honored to work in partnership with Tacing Parker and the Bayview Y, and celebrates her selfless leadership and advocacy.