Racial Justice

View photos from our Stand Against Racism Event

YWCA Extols the Life and Legacy of Dr. Dorothy Irene Height

Since its founding in 1858, YWCA USA has been an inclusive organization.  Watch this short video to learn more.

The YWCA has a long history of bringing together (and serving) women and families of all races, long before the word "integration" was even on our nation's lips. In 1921, the Nashville YWCA opened the Blue Triangle Branch for African American women.  In the 1930s, the YWCA encouraged members to speak out against lynching and mob violence, for interracial cooperation rather than segregation and for efforts to protect African Americans' basic civil rights.  In 1946, the YWCA adopted its Interracial Charter - eight years before the United States Supreme Court decision against segregation.

Today, we carry this commitment forward with new intention.  Our Racial Justice Committee has authored a paper on eliminating racism approved by the full board that states clearly our position and intention. It is the thread that weaves through everything we do, from hiring practices to training staff who work with our clients to making certain those in current programs understand the problem of racism to charting new programs that raise awareness and foster change in the wider community.  As always, we believe education is fundamental to all positive change and is the core of how we at the YWCA work to eliminate racism.

Our Racial Justice committee is currently planning Stand Against Racism, to be held on April 30, 2010.  We hope that you can join us for the event.  There is also an opportunity to take the online pledge against racism.  The committee conducts ongoing activities with Girls Inc. at the YWCA participants (ages 9 - 14) and other community organizations.

On Tuesday, April 20, 2010, Metro Council members affirmed support for YWCA Stand Against Racism with a resolution that was sponsored by Council Member, Sean McGuire. YWCA representatives at the meeting included Jan Shipp (HR) Candice Taylor (intern) Marcie Smeck (Public Relations) and Pamela Sessions (Programs).

Community Events:

New Exhibition at State Museum Commemorates the 50th Anniversary of Tennessee Sit-Ins

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