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Almetto Howey Alexander Labyrinth

 A Path for Healing, Meditation and Peace of Mind
 
  

The Almetto Howey Alexander Labyrinth at the McCrorey Family YMCA is free and open to anyone.  Built on land donated by the Y, it's believed to be the first Afro-centric labyrinth in the United States.  The McCrorey Family YMCA is located on Beatties Ford Road in the heart of the Northwest Community,

The Charlotte Observer covered the March 12, 2011 dedication. Click here to read the story.

What is a labyrinth?
Labyrinths are planned spiritual walks through circuitous path designs.  The walk always leads to a center and can be an individual or a shared experience.

The use of labyrinths dates back to ancient times.  For centuries, there have been accounts of labyrinths providing tremendous health and spiritual benefits. 

The labyrinth provides a balancing activity, one which may best be pursued alone, in one's own time of need, searching, or desire for peace and focus. Experiencing the solace of journey provided by a labyrinth brings peace, healing, and enlightenment — appropriate for people of any age.

The Founder
Almetto Howey Alexander, a lifelong educator with commitment to communtiy service, was inspired to build a labyrinth in her neighborhood of Washington Heights in Charlotte, North Carolina.  A graduate of Johnson C. Smith University, Mrs. Alexander taught elementary education for twenty-five years. She has worked tirelessly in service to her community and to her church. She is a Life Member and Golden Heritage member of the NAACP, and listed in Charlotte's NAACP Hall of Fame. She is a Life Member of the National Council of Negro Women and also received the Woman of the Year award in the Delta Zeta Chapter Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. 

Learn more about the labyrinth, the foundation and its founder at almetto.org

YMCA Mission: To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.