Evanston, IL – On April 25, 26, and 27, YWCA Evanston/North Shore (E/NS) will host their annual Unite Against Racism events, formerly Stand Against Racism. Founded in 2007 by the YWCAs in Trenton and Princeton, Unite Against Racism is designed to allow communities to stand together in various ways—acknowledging that racism exists, has detrimental effects on all of us, and that we will work for racial equity.

The name, Unite Against Racism, is a name-shift away from YWCA’s previous Stand Against Racism campaign. YWCA acknowledges that for many, the word “stand” in its name evoked feelings of ableism and disempowerment. The name shift seeks to ensure that all are included in the movement and inspired to promote justice.

"Unite Against Racism is our annual initiative to build on the sense of community among people who are passionate about eliminating racism. Though we have changed the name this year, the goal is always the same—to raise awareness and activate change. The Unite Against Racism neighborhood rallies have been powerful tools for getting people's attention, and the talk-back activities create space for participants to discuss important issues around racism and oppression in our communities,” said Tiffany McDowell, Director of YWCA E/NS’s Equity Institute.

This year, Unite Against Racism will take place in three different locations across three days:

• Tuesday, April 25 at 10:30 am outside Village Hall in Skokie, 5127 Oakton St.A community discussion will take place immediately following the demonstration from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm at Village Hall.

• Wednesday, April 26 at 10:00 am at the Village Green in Wilmette, 1200 Wilmette Avenue. A community discussion will take place immediately following the demonstration from 10:30 am to 11:30 am at Skunkworks Dance, 1111 Central Ave.

• Thursday, April 17 at 10:30 am along Ridge Ave. in Evanston, starting at YWCA Evanston/North Shore, 1215 Church Street.

"I am thrilled to participate in this year's Unite Against Racism. Prejudice and hate are learned behaviors that we must acknowledge and unlearn. The more we stand in solidarity, listen to and amplify the voices of those that experience racism, and continue to educate, we can remove the power from those that continue to perpetuate racial inequities and begin to heal as a society," said Cherese Ledet, YWCA E/NS’s newly appointed CEO.

Unite Against Racism reusable signs for individuals, businesses, and community organizations to use for the events are available now for pick-up at YWCA E/NS, YWCA Shop for Good in Wilmette, and YWCA Crowded Closet in Evanston. Learn more about Unite Against Racism at www.ywca-ens.org/uar. 

About YWCA Evanston/North Shore 

YWCA Evanston/North Shore, established in 1931, is a nonprofit organization that works to eliminate racism, empower women, stand up for social justice, and strengthen local communities. It serves more than 8,000 people annually in northern Cook County through its Domestic Violence, Equity Institute, Economic Advancement, and Flying Fish Aquatics programs. Learn more at www.ywca-ens.org.