Stand Against Racism

Race Unity Breakfast Friday, April 30

YWCA Marks Stand Against Racism With Program,

Poster Signing

 

Brunswick, GA – Thousands of people from across the United States came together Friday, April 30, to take a stand against racism.

 

To mark the event locally, the YWCA of Brunswick held a special program and poster signing at its Family Wellness Center at 144 Scranton Connector. Members of the community, YWCA board, foundation and membership gathered to hear a presentation by Dee C. Lubell, a St. Simons Island writer, dramatist and performer. She spoke on “Unlocking the Mind to Dialogue: Uncovering Denial of Racism.” Following her talk, members of the Coastal Youth Theatre of Voices entertained and inspired the audience with their message of unity and social justice.

 

 

Guests were invited to view an exhibit of Stand Against Racism posters and art work created by YWCA After School participants and to sign a poster featuring the Stand Against Racism pledge:

 

As an individual committed to social justice

I stand with the YWCA against racism and discrimination of any kind.

I will commit to a lifetime of promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity

For all people in my community and in the world.

 

Several local organizations joined the YWCA in taking a stand: the Robert Abbott Institute, the Baha’is of Brunswick, the Unitarian Universalist Church, the Boys and Girls Club and the Star Foundation.

Over 2,000 sites and an estimated 200,000 plus individuals participated in the 3^rd annual Stand Against Racism. The 2010 event was a collaboration of 71 YWCAs in 32 states across America.

“Racism affects everyone. This is evident in the make-up of the over 2,000 organizations that partnered with the YWCA: corporations, churches, hospitals, banks, universities, schools, civic associations, local and state governments, and many others,” said Jose A. Hernandez, chief executive officer, YWCA of Trenton, N.J., one of the event’s organizers.

 Four U.S. governors endorsed the Stand Against Racism and have declared April 30 as “Stand Against Racism Day” in their respective states: North Carolina, Kansas, West Virginia, and New Hampshire. Dozens of mayors and city councils have issued proclamations for their municipalities.

Stand Against Racism was initiated by the YWCA in 2008 with the objective of bringing together organizations and individuals who believe that united, the people of America can eliminate racism. The YWCA is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.

For more information on the national Stand Against Racism campaign, go to www.StandAgainstRacism.org. The next “Stand” will be Friday, April 29, 2011.