Between April 28 and May 1, 2016, hundreds of thousands of people across the United States are expected to take a “stand” against racism and do their part to help advance the YWCA’s mission to eliminate racism and increase the collective impact in promoting racial justice and civil rights in the United States. Founded by the YWCA Trenton and YWCA Princeton in 2007, Stand Against Racism™ has been a successful campaign at YWCAs across the country and is now a signature campaign of YWCA USA. This campaign is designed to build a community among those who work for racial justice and to raise awareness about the negative impact of institutional and structural racism. This year, Stand Against Racism™ will focus on the national theme On A Mission for Girls of Color.

YWCA Princeton has joined hands with local organizations such as the Princeton Public Library (PPL), Not in Our Town, The Latin American Legal Defense and Education Fund (LALDEF), Princeton Human Services Commission, Committed and Faithful Princetonians (YMCA), The Nassau Inn, Corner House/GAIA, CHOOSE, Redefy to take a Stand.

 There will be a Legislative/Community Leader Breakfast at Nassau Inn on April 29. At that time, Lenora Green, the executive director of the Educational Testing Service Center for Advocacy and Philanthropy, will announce the early outcome of the “Bright Futures Symposium”, sponsored by ETS in collaboration with Rutgers-Camden. This initiative will focus on what must be done to improve education and transform outcomes for girls of color. Mary Saudargas of Corner House will also show a brief video on racial justice created and produced by Princeton youth.

Princeton community members are invited to a 4 p.m., April 29 gathering on Hinds Plaza. PPL Director Brett Bonfield will welcome several Princeton youth organizations and they will express their perspectives on racial justice, reminding our community why we must continue to take an annual pledge to Stand Against Racism. For more information, please contact Nancy Faherty, YWCA Princeton Director of Advocacy and Development at (609) 497-2100 ext. 316.