On April 28th, hundreds of school children joined community members in partnership with the YWCA Evanston/North Shore for its third annual “Stand Against Racism.” This YWCA USA initiative is aimed at raising awareness that racism still exists in our communities and that it can no longer be ignored or tolerated.
Individuals, organizations, schools, businesses and faith groups came together in the community-wide “stand” on Friday morning from 11:30-11:55. Participants lined both Ridge Ave. and Church St. holding handmade signs—some of which read “Deport Racism”, “Racism Hurts Everyone” and “Be Kind to Everyone Always”–reading a pledge to stand together against racism, and cheering while cars honked in support. Many participants also wore buttons and stickers which read “We Stand Up for Social Justice” distributed by the YWCA Evanston/North Shore.