Larger Cincinnati’s YWCA launches its second Racial Equality and Social Justice Problem

The Greater Cincinnati YWCA will launch its 21-day Racial and Social Justice Challenge on March 1st as part of a national movement to engage communities in anti-racist work.

Last year, 19 YWCAs across the country faced the challenge. This year that number has grown to 50.

“There is a lot of interest and the numbers are rising,” wrote Yvette Johnson-Hegge, executive coordinator at the Cincinnati YWCA, in an email. “On-site registration for the Cincinnati YWCA went online on February 4th and we have nearly 600 registered attendees.”

The challenge originated in Cleveland in 2019, based on the work of Dr. Eddie Moore Jr., a national leader in challenging systems of white privilege and power; and Debby Irving, an educator and writer on racial justice. On his website about the 21 Day Challenge, Moore urges people to “take an action to advance your understanding of power, privilege, domination, oppression and justice”.

This year’s themes are reparations (for slavery and indigenous peoples), racism in sport, gender-based violence (effects on women of skin color and the LGBTQ + community) and environmental racism.

“Those who participated in last year’s challenge have often noted the relevance of the materials distributed through the challenge to incidents and issues they saw in their own lives,” wrote Johnson-Hegge. “Some were appalled at the breadth of racism in this country after realizing it. Many noticed how the challenge made them really think differently and deal with others. “

She hopes the challenge will not only raise awareness of racial and social injustices but also help participants get used to learning about these issues.

Attendees will receive a daily email directing them to articles, podcasts, or videos to improve their understanding. The content contains current and current information. For example, there’s a TED talk from Colette Pichone Battle on Preparing for How Climate Change Will Displace Millions. There is also a YWCA podcast on Ensuring the Safety of Migrant Women and a Harvard article on Allowing Racist Symbols on Public Land.

For more information and to register, click on Here.