LEWISTON — YWCA Central Maine is scheduled to host “Stand Against Racism,” a one-day conference, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursday, April 27, at the University of Southern Maine Lewiston-Auburn College, 51 Westminster St.
The signature YWCA event is designed to build community among those working for racial justice, raise awareness about the negative impact of institutional and structural racism in communities, and provide strategies to root out injustice, transform institutions, and create a world that sees women, girls, and people of color as equal, powerful and unstoppable, according to a news release from Jennifer Molloy, chief development and communications officer at the YWCA.
“Until Justice Just Is: Economic Justice is Racial Justice,” this year’s theme, will feature keynote speaker Rose Barboza, the founder and executive director of Black Owned Maine. Barboza’s talk, “An Economy For Us, By Us,” aims to add perspective and next steps in embracing collective work toward communities without racism.
“We already know that systemic racism leads to widespread disparities — so now the question is, what are we doing about it?,” said Amanda Hatch, YWCA Central Maine’s chief program and impact officer. “Over the past few years, YWCA’s annual event has educated participants about disparities in public health, education, media and more. We are excited to add to these ongoing conversations by centering economic justice as an integral and actionable part of racial justice in Maine.”
Registration to the event includes the all-day conference, which features the keynote speech, two separate breakout sessions that give participants the opportunity to delve deeper and interact, food throughout the day, and a ceremony for the “Champions of Change” award, which will be given to a local Maine business that leads and supports efforts that advance racial and gender equity in the workplace or community.
All proceeds support the work YWCA Central Maine does each day in service of its missions to eliminate racism and empower women while promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.
Those interested in sponsoring the conference can email Molloy at [email protected].
Registration is open at ywcamaine.org. For help with payment or to inquire about a scholarship, email Molloy. Early bird pricing ends 11:59 p.m. Monday, April 10.