(Canton, Ohio) – The Stark County YWCA is issuing a ‘call to action’ to promote the meaning and importance of Juneteenth.

The following is the letter published to the YWCA website.

CALL TO ACTION

Today we join hands and celebrate the freedom and achievements of African Americans in the United States. We commemorate the liberation of enslaved people in 1865 and recognize the work we must do for our future to ensure equality for all. Today we ask our community to join us in our efforts to eliminate racism in the following ways:

1. Support our advocacy efforts. YWCA USA has been at the forefront of the most pressing social movements for more than 150 years. From voting rights to civil rights, from affordable housing to equal pay, from violence prevention to health care reform, YWCA has a legacy of supporting initiatives that advance its mission to empower women and eliminate racism. YWCA USA unites a network of more than 220 YW’s across the nation and harnesses their collective voice by providing resources and coordinating collaborative action. Donate today and continue to follow what we are supporting: Policing Act and Senate Concurrent Resolution 14.

2. Educate yourself through YWCA Dayton’s 21-Day Racial Equity & Social Justice Challenge. The challenge is designed to create dedicated time and space to build more effective social justice habits, particularly those dealing with issues of race, power, privilege, and leadership. This challenge was originally developed by Dr. Eddie Moore Jr. and Debby Irving and has been adapted by many organizations across the country. You will be prompted daily with challenges such as reading an article, listening to a podcast, reflecting on personal experiences, and more. Participation helps us discover how racial injustice and social injustice impacts our community, he’s us connect with one another, and helps us identify ways to dismantle racism and other forms of discrimination. Sign up here.

3. Join our Social Justice Book Club – or read on your own! Do you know the difference between “not racist,” and “anti-racist?” Are you an ally to people of color? Do you “feel weird” talking about race? Are you still saying things like “I don’t see color.” Perhaps you’re tired of being surrounded by people that just don’t get it, or maybe you are an avid advocate for racial justice already! Regardless of where you stand in your journey to be more socially aware, this book club is for you! A book will be selected on the topic of social justice and discussed in a group format. This is meant to be an informal way to open the door to new conversations and provide a safe space to ask questions. Our first book will be White Fragility: Why it’s so Hard for White People to Talk About Racism, written by Robin DiAngelo. See the full list of books here.

4. Teach our children. Among the many responsibilities, our Early Head Start and Early Learning Center teachers have, is helping our kids adjust and understand the world surrounding them. Please help us diversify our classroom libraries so we can continue educating our students on the history of our world and inequities that still exist in an age-appropriate manner. Check out our Amazon Classroom Book Wish List here.