New Hanover County and the City of Wilmington have officially proclaimed Thursday, April 28 to Sunday, May 1 as “Stand Against Racism” days in conjunction with the YWCA Lower Cape Fear’s annual events to encourage people to fight for racial equality in the local community.
“‘Stand Against Racism’ is the signature campaign of the YWCA – USA to build community among those who work for racial justice and to raise awareness about the negative impact of institutional and structural racism in our communities,” said YWCA Lower Cape Fear Board of Directors Member Evelyn Bryant.
The theme of this year’s campaign, which includes a potluck, roadside stand and peace pledge signing, is “On a Mission for Girls of Color.”
“Girls of color are often overlooked when policy makers address issues of gender and racial inequality,” Bryant said. “Black girls face disproportionate challenges in school and in the justice system. Even though so much of our conversation about criminalization and the ‘school to prison pipeline’ centers around boys of color, Latina and Native American girls do not trail far behind.”
Bryant also said girls of color who have experienced trauma are less likely to get the help they need and more likely to be excessively disciplined for acting out.
“This year’s campaign is not an attempt to leave out other demographics, whether white girls, boys, adult men and women,” Bryant said. “Rather, it is a call to all of our better selves to highlight girls of color’s unique struggles and ask what we as individuals and as part of larger organizations can do to improve our society.”
On Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m., the campaign kicks off with “Potluck for Peace: Continuing the Conversation.” Topics discussed will include access to healthcare, economic issues, safe play and racial profiling, among others. In addition to bringing a hearty, covered dish to share, attendees are asked to RSVP to Community Outreach Coordinator Kelly Williams due to the limited amount of space.
Friday’s schedule of events starts at 11 a.m. with the signing of the Peace Pledge. Beginning at noon, participants will make their “stand against racism” along South College Road in front of the YWCA Lower Cape Fear building. Following that is a celebration of multicultural food and entertainment from 1 to 4:30 p.m.
For more information about the local “Stand Against Racism” events, contact the YWCA Lower Cape Fear’s Community Outreach Coordinator Kelly Williams at (910) 799-6820 or at newchoices@ywca-lowercapefear.org. Information can also be found on the organization’s website.
