ywracial justice: Stand Against Racism 2009

Local legislators, community activists, teachers, students and area residents joined the YWCA of Bergen County in taking a “Stand Against Racism” on Friday April 3rd at the Paramus Park Mall. The two-hour event was the first of its kind to be held in Bergen County.

A regional YWCA initiative aimed at raising awareness about racism and discrimination and celebrating the richness of diversity, the Stand Against Racism was launched in 2008 by the YWCA’s Racial Justice Institute of Trenton and Princeton. This year, the YWCA of Bergen County partnered with 14 sister YWCA’s in New Jersey, New York and Connecticut to support the initiative. Over 300 organizations and 25,000 individuals also participated by simultaneously hosting their own events.

Special guests included WVNJ radio morning show host Sam Greenfield; Bergen County Freeholders Vernon Walton and Bernadette McPherson, who presented the YWCA with a special citation; and Teresa Oakley, President of The Links, Bergen County Chapter. The program also featured musical performances by the Paramus High School Prem1iers and readings by the student winners of the YWCA Martin Luther King Jr. Essay Contest, who represent schools in Ridgewood, Englewood and Fort Lee.