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The YWCA Metro St. Louis has been diligent over the years in fighting injustice by working on initiatives that tackle racial disparities in health, education, employment, housing and criminal justice.
In response to the death of George Floyd at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer, the officer-involved shooting death of Rayshard Brooks on Friday in Atlanta, and countless other African Americans killed by police, the YWCA is hosting virtual town hall meetings featuring experts who will share eye-opening information about the racial divide and what the community can do to help bridge the gap, particularly as it relates to systemic racism.
The COVID-19 pandemic revealed the depth of inequality in health care, with a disproportionate percentage of reported deaths being African American, including cases in St. Louis city and county. By the third week in April, all 19 COVID-19 related death in the city of St. Louis were African American.
In response to these and other disparities, the YWCA is kicking off the town halls on July 17, with panelists Amy Hunter, Boeing’s global diversity and inclusion specialist; Shelly Tochluk, Ph.D., author of “Witnessing Whiteness;” Camryn Smith, board member at Black Student Union, VCU Arts; and activist and student Sydney Alexander. Collectively, they bring decades of work in the field of racial justice and the perspective of the youth movement.
“Eliminating Racism – A Call to Action” runs from 4 to 5 p.m., on Wednesday, June 17. It is free and open to the public via Zoom. To sign up,visit ywcastl.org/events/racial justiceShould.
A second virtual town hall, focused on health inequalities takes place on June 22. For a full calendar of YWCA events, visit ywcastl.org/calendar-2.
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