Nashville takes a stand against racism

Mayor Megan Barry speaks at “Stand Against Racism Day”  at Metro Council Chambers
Mayor Megan Barry speaks at “Stand Against Racism Day” at Metro Council Chambers

The YWCA’s Stand Against Racism is a movement that seeks 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.

Mayor Megan Barry proclaimed May 4 ‘Stand Against Racism Day’ in Nashville and co-hosted the event.

The Metro Human Relations Commission was the supporting sponsor. The event was held at Metro Council Chambers – Metropolitan Courthouse on 3rd Avenue North and Union Street.

Speakers included Mayor Barry, Juvenile Court Judge Shelia Calloway, Tennessean Opinion Engagement Editor David Plazas, and Metro Nashville Police Chief Steve Anderson. Local singer/songwriter Myshel performed.

Stand Against Racism is a signature campaign of YWCA USA and is part of their larger national strategy to fulfill their mission of eliminating racism. Race and the legacy of discrimination continue to affect our lives—whether in our everyday interactions with others at work, school, or in our neighborhoods and communities For more than 100 years, YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee has helped women, girls, and families build safer, more self-sufficient lives. In addition to operating the larges domestic violence shelter in Tennessee and a 24 hour-a-day crisis and information line, YWCA runs a Family Literacy Center to help women and men earn their high school equivalency diploma. Through Girls, Inc. at YWCA, they mentor girls in numerous Metro Nashville schools and suit women for the workplace through Dress for Success Nashville.

Their MEND program is an innovative, primary prevention initiative dedicated to ending violence against women and girls by engaging and educating men and boys.

For more information on all of their programs and services, visit , follow us on twitter @YWCA Nashville and find us on Facebook <facebook.com/ YWCANashville>.

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