The Dec. 23 Xpress cover story, "The Right Profile," drew attention to important racial-justice issues in our community. Because the YWCA stands for the right of individuals to be treated with dignity and respect, we believe that the key to effecting real change is to engage individuals and whole communities in a conversation about these issues. Only then can we open our hearts and minds to new perspectives and the richness of diversity.
So, on behalf of the YWCA of Asheville, I would like to cordially invite people throughout our community to join us as we take a Stand Against Racism on Friday, April 30.
We are calling on organizations, corporations, schools, hospitals, houses of worship and government agencies in Buncombe County to become participating sites of this exciting event. By becoming a participating site, you will join your voices to ours and together we can take a bold Stand Against Racism.
The goal of the event is to raise awareness that racism still exists in our community and that it can no longer be ignored or tolerated. Our strength is in numbers!
On April 30, the YWCA of Asheville, along with more than 60 YWCAs throughout the country, will be working closely with approximately 1,500 organizations that will cumulatively attract about 200,000 individuals. We hope you will be one of them.
Participating sites will host a "stand" — either open to the public or just for your group. We will provide you with all the materials you will need, and there is no cost to participate.
You can sign up online on at www.standagainstracism.org. The deadline to sign up is April 16. For questions about the YWCA of Asheville's event, which will be at Aston Park, please contact our office at 254-7206, ext. 203.
— Holly Jones
executive director, YWCA of Asheville
Asheville
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