racial justice

The YWCA has a long history of bringing together (and serving) women and families of all races. In the 1930s, the YWCA encouraged members to speak out against lynching and mob violence, for interracial cooperation rather than segregation and for efforts to protect African Americans' basic civil rights.  In 1946, the YWCA adopted its Interracial Charter - eight years before the United States Supreme Court decision against segregation.

Today, we carry this commitment forward with new intention. We believe education is fundamental to all positive change and is the core of how we at the YWCA work to eliminate racism.

Our Racial Justice Committee meets regularly to address issues and plans two major events each year:  The Black Heritage Celebration and Week Without Violence.

Black Heritage Celebration
This event is held in January or February in conjunction with Black History Month.  The celebration empowers our youth and the community to embrace our heritage through informative cultural activities.

In addition, each celebration honors two individuals:

Joyce Reddick Award honors an adult who empowers the following qualities:

• Involvement in community affairs
• Active in volunteer work
• Displays quality parental skills
• Strong spiritual/religious beliefs
• Contributes to the African American community

Martin Luther King Jr. Young Adult Award honors our youth who empower the following qualities:

• Admired for her/his achievements and noble qualities
• Respected by peers
• A Peacemaker: bringing people together and treating everyone fairly
• Involved in school activities
• Active in the African American community in our area

Week Without Violence
An annual event that is held the 3rd week in October features an essay contest for middle and high school students and a poster contest for elementary school students.  Each year a different theme is selected to help students express their feelings about violence within their schools and in their community.

For more information about either of these annual events, please contact the YWCA.