Racism hurts everyone!

On April 30, 2010, the YWCA Central Massachusetts, along with 70 YWCAs across the country, hosted the Stand Against Racism. The exciting event offered a day of anti-racism activities throughout the community to raise awareness that racism still exists and that it can no longer be ignored or tolerated.

In our community, 52 local organizations joined the YWCA’s Stand Against Racism movement and registered as a Participating Site – including corporations, schools, hospitals, houses of worship, and government agencies. Sites took their Stand by hosting their own anti-racism activities ranging from pledge signings to student rallies. An estimated 25,000 individuals participated in the Stand Against Racism movement!

The YWCA kicked-off its first-ever Stand Against Racism with a leader’s breakfast, which was attended by 50 of the community’s top leaders and included conversations with Tim Wise, one of the country’s leading anti-racist writers and activists. Following the breakfast, the YWCA Central Massachusetts held a community lecture, which also featured Tim Wise as the keynote speaker. A public rally at City Hall Commons wrapped up the day and featured speak-outs and performances. To view pictures from the rally, click here.

Support from city and state figures led the state of Massachusetts and the city of Worcester to issue proclamations declaring April 30th as “YWCA Stand Against Racism Day”.

The Stand Against Racism is a national movement of the YWCA with the goal of bringing people together from all walks of life – across the country – to raise awareness that racism still exists. It was created after a report from the Southern Poverty Law Center showed a 54% increase in hate groups operating in the country. The report listed “immigration fears, a failing economy and the successful campaign of President (Barack) Obama” as factors that fueled the increase.

If you didn’t participate in this year’s Stand Against Racism and would like to join us next year, please contact Jo-Serena Rodriguez at jrodriguez@ywcaworcester.org. To learn more about the Stand Against Racism, click here.