Submitted by the YWCA Evanston/North Shore
On April 25, 26, and 27, YWCA Evanston/North Shore will host its annual Unite Against Racism events. Founded in 2007 by the YWCAs in Trenton and Princeton, New Jersey, Unite Against Racism is designed to allow communities to stand together and acknowledge that racism exists, has detrimental effects on all of us and that we will work for racial equity.
The name Unite Against Racism is a shift away from YWCA’s previous Stand Against Racism campaign. YWCA acknowledges that for many, the word “stand” in its name evoked feelings of ableism and disempowerment. The name shift seeks to ensure that all are included in the movement and inspired to promote justice.
“Unite Against Racism is our annual initiative to build on the sense of community among people who are passionate about eliminating racism,” said Tiffany McDowell, director of YWCA E/NS’s Equity Institute. “Though we have changed the name this year, the goal is always the same – to raise awareness and activate change. The Unite Against Racism neighborhood rallies have been powerful tools for getting people’s attention, and the talk-back activities create space for participants to discuss important issues around racism and oppression in our communities.”
This year, Unite Against Racism will take place in three different locations across three days:
- Tuesday, April 25, at 10:30 a.m. outside Village Hall in Skokie, 5127 Oakton St. A community discussion will take place immediately following the demonstration from 11 a.m. to 12 noon at Village Hall.
- Wednesday, April 26, at 10 a.m. at the Village Green in Wilmette, 1200 Wilmette Ave. A community discussion will take place immediately following the demonstration from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Skunkworks Dance, 1111 Central Ave.
- Thursday, April 27, at 10:30 a.m. along Ridge Ave. in Evanston, starting at YWCA Evanston/North Shore, 1215 Church St.
“I am thrilled to participate in this year’s Unite Against Racism,” said Cherese Ledet, YWCA E/NS’s newly appointed CEO. “Prejudice and hate are learned behaviors that we must acknowledge and unlearn. The more we stand in solidarity, listen to and amplify the voices of those that experience racism, and continue to educate, we can remove the power from those that continue to perpetuate racial inequities and begin to heal as a society.”
Reusable signs for the events are available for pickup at the YWCA, 1215 Church St.; YWCA Crowded Closet, 820 Dempster St; and YWCA Shop for Good at 1107 Central Ave., Wilmette.
Learn more about Unite Against Racism here.