“We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal. That they are endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” U.S. Constitution
Inequality is ongoing and pervasive in the United States. Generations of civil rights activism have led to important gains in legal, political, social, employment, educational and other spheres. But the forced removal of indigenous peoples and the enslavement of people of African descent marked the beginnings of a system of racial injustice from which our nation has yet to break completely free. Although explicit barriers to equality have been removed, subtle forms of racial and ethnic discrimination and injustice persist.
Throughout its history, the YWCA has been a pioneer in combating all forms of oppression and promoting racial understanding. YWCA Northern New Jersey’s Racial Justice initiatives seek to build collaborative partnerships with those who share our vision of peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. We work diligently with individuals, community groups and government agencies to:
- Preserve and extend constitutionally guaranteed rights to people for whom they have historically been denied on the basis of race;
- Uphold racial equality and combat racism in all forms through community organizing, training, legislative initiative and public education;
- Address the broad spectrum of issues that disproportionately and negatively impact people of color.
Stand Against Racism is a national YWCA campaign to build community among those who work for racial justice and to raise awareness about the negative impact of institutional and structural racism in our communities. This campaign is one part of our larger national strategy to fulfill our mission of eliminating racism.
