In an effort to combat racism and promote social justice, YWCA Charleston has officially opened its new Center for Racial Equity and Inclusion.
The grand opening was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by community leaders, government representatives, stakeholders, and supporters of the YWCA. Situated at 412 Elizabeth Street on Charleston's East End, the center will function as a space for education, reflection, collaboration, and activism, aimed at bringing about positive change in society.
YWCA Charleston CEO Jennifer Goddard emphasized that the center will serve as a hub for the organization's ongoing commitment to dismantling long-standing systematic barriers and promoting social justice. The center will provide a safe environment for people to engage in conversations about privilege, bias, racism, and community building. Goddard expressed her hope that the center will offer new opportunities for the community to learn and grow together.
The main purpose of the center will be to host various programs, celebrations, and events to support the development of YWCA Charleston's Racial Equity and Inclusion program. This program aims to promote positive social change in the counties served by the organization, including Kanawha, Boone, and Clay counties. YWCA Charleston Racial Equity and Inclusion Director Shante Ellis highlighted the significance of having a physical center dedicated to these issues, which will be the first of its kind in the area, and possibly the entire state of West Virginia. Ellis believes that this center will showcase the state's progressiveness and commitment to diversity and inclusion.
To fund the program and the building itself, YWCA Charleston launched a Racial Justice Endowment campaign. The campaign successfully raised over $2 million, which will be used to support future programming initiatives. However, Goddard acknowledged that the opening of the center is just the beginning of their work towards racial equity and inclusion. She emphasized that eliminating racism is an ongoing and challenging process, but the center will provide a space for individuals to come together, learn, take action, and work towards a more just and inclusive society.
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