Yvonne Abunaw
Black Women's Association of Albany
Members on the Move
Yvonne Abunaw is one of the few original founders of the BWAA who is still active. A native of New York City, Yvonne came to Albany to attend graduate school at the University at Albany and began teaching in the City School District of Albany.
Like other "outsiders" she wanted to make new friends and become a part of the Albany community. Yvonne and some other young
Black women formed the BWAA in September, 1977. They held fundraisers featuring dynamic Black women speakers and gave
scholarships to deserving Black high school students, male and female. Yvonne served as President in 1978 and again from 2007-09.
Currently she is Treasurer and Scholarship Chairperson. "The BWAA has been an important part of my life for many years. I feel good
when we provide community service and encourage Black women of all ages to feel proud of themselves. I like that the BWAA is
small and locally based. It gives us a feeling of sisterhood without the regulations and obligations of larger organizations." Yvonne is
married to John Abunaw, a native of Cameroon, West Africa. They live in Latham and have 3 adult children.
Like other "outsiders" she wanted to make new friends and become a part of the Albany community. Yvonne and some other young
Black women formed the BWAA in September, 1977. They held fundraisers featuring dynamic Black women speakers and gave
scholarships to deserving Black high school students, male and female. Yvonne served as President in 1978 and again from 2007-09.
Currently she is Treasurer and Scholarship Chairperson. "The BWAA has been an important part of my life for many years. I feel good
when we provide community service and encourage Black women of all ages to feel proud of themselves. I like that the BWAA is
small and locally based. It gives us a feeling of sisterhood without the regulations and obligations of larger organizations." Yvonne is
married to John Abunaw, a native of Cameroon, West Africa. They live in Latham and have 3 adult children.
Black Women's Association of Albany
"A Community Service Organization"
