YWCA Greenwich’s Annual Stand Against Racism event will take place on Friday, April 26, at 12:00pm at Greenwich Town Hall. This annual event is in partnership with the Town of Greenwich and over 100 community partners, who all pledged to take a stand against all forms of racism. “We welcome the entire community to this annual gathering when we award Gender & Racial Justice Scholarships and reflect on our shared goal of addressing all forms of racism,” said Mary Lee Kiernan, President & CEO of YWCA Greenwich.
This year’s program is entitled, “Building Bridges Toward Equity,” and will feature YWCA leaders reflecting on a recent journey to Civil Rights monuments in the south. Connie Blunden, the Jane Bagley Lehman Director of the Center for Public Purpose at Greenwich Academy, will be part of this presentation. First Selectman Fred Camilo and the Board of Selectman will be present to read the Stand Against Racism proclamation. The YWCA Greenwich Gender and Racial Justice Scholarship Awards will be presented by Greenwich Schools Deputy Superintendent Dr. Ann Carabillo to deserving students who demonstrate a commitment to making their school or community more diverse, equitable, inclusive, and/or antiracist. “We encourage our community partners to take a proactive stand for what is right. Given the times we’re in, it is important that we are being unequivocal of our denouncement of hate and bigotry,” explained Director of the Center for Equity and Justice at YWCA Greenwich, Simone Quartey. Participants will be asked to join in a group picture demonstrating their pledge to stand up against all forms of racism. Refreshments will be served to allow residents to stop and mingle with colleagues, friends, and neighbors. Stand Against Racism is a signature event of YWCA Greenwich to raise awareness about the negative impact of institutional and structural racism in our communities. This event is one part of our larger national YWCA strategy to fulfill our mission of eliminating racism and empowering women. For more information contact Simone Quartey at 203-869-6501 ext. 104 or at [email protected]. Founded in 1919, YWCA Greenwich is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. YWCA Greenwich provides programs for people of all ages and genders with initiatives that include preschool and after school programs, aquatics programs, youth athletics, health and fitness programs and seminars focusing on racial justice and women’s empowerment. Additionally, YWCA Greenwich is the only provider of both domestic and sexual violence services in Greenwich, with staff who are licensed to provide crisis intervention, counseling, shelter, and victim advocacy. These services are free.