What is the Stand Against Racism?
WATCH THE 2023 STAND AGAINST RACISM Download the Pledge
Sometimes in our day to day, we may lose sight of how we as individuals fit into the mission of eliminating racism and empowering women. To bring us all together, we've compiled a list of things we can all do to Stand Against Racism today and every day!
A great place to start is So You Want to Talk About Race by 2021’s Stand Against Racism keynote, Ijeoma Oluo. Below are a selection of curated reading lists:
- Black Feminism book list
- The best books on racism you can read for free right now
- Anti-racist reading list from Ibram X. Kendi
- Anti-racism resource guide
- Make these 27 books part of your anti-racism education
- Center for Racial Justice in Education reading list
Reading lists and book clubs are great tools when the knowledge you attain is put into action! Don't let that knowledge sit on a page.
Learn more here:
- What is an anti-racist reading list for? [Vulture]
- "When Black people are in pain, white people just join book clubs" [Washington Post]
Learning more history will allow you to better understand the lasting impacts of racism and the evolution of anti-racism. Knowing about the past allows us not to repeat it. A great way to learn about history is through film and videos.
Other Video Resources:
- Uncomfortable conversations with a Black man
- What is systemic racism?
- Life on the margins: “We the People”
- The difference between being “not racist” and anti-racist
- How anti-racism is a treatment for the “cancer” of racism
- TED Talks to help you understand racism in America
- 10th Annual Stand Against Racism with Ijeoma Oluo
Educate yourself on issues relevant to your community that disproportionately impact BIPOC people. Finding fact-checked information on race and social justice topics can be intimidating and challenging. Having a diverse and reliable set of news sources can expose you to new perspectives on topics.
Local News Media Recommendations:
The pandemic has impacted all small businesses dramatically. However, BIPOC-owned businesses have experienced incredible hardships, as well as dealing with continued systemic racism.
Local BIPOC-Owned Businesses:
Get involved
If you’re interested in helping further YWCA’s race and social justice work, consider joining our People of Color Executive Council (POCEC).
The POCEC is composed of BIPOC community members, YWCA Board members, and community allies from across King and Snohomish Counties. They represent a variety of lived experiences and have a deep connection to and passion for YWCA’s mission.
The core responsibilities of the POCEC include:
- Planning and executing the annual Stand Against Racism Event
- Nominating community members for the annual Bertha Pitts Campbell Awards
- Utilizing their expertise and networks to engage with the community and further YWCA’s race and social justice work
- Providing recommendations and input to YWCA's Board of Directors
The POCEC meets a minimum of 4 times a year unless members choose to participate on a specific subcommittee. Serving on the POCEC is a fantastic way to give back to the community as well as engage in the critical work of YWCA.
