Over 150 people gathered in the parking lot at the YWCA on Thursday, April 12, for the 2012 Stand Against Racism. YWCA CEO, Pat Shea, welcomed the audience and set the context for the program. YWCA Board Member and Racial Justice Committee chair, Beverly Watts (Executive Director/Tennessee Human Rights Commission) introduced YWCA Board Member, Kasar Abdulla (Director of Advocacy & Education/Tennnessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition) who gave an overview of changes in the population of Middle Tennessee over the last few years. Watts also introduced Council member Sean McGuire who read a Metro Council Proclamation about Stand Against Racism. Pat Shea introduced John Seigenthaler, the keynote speaker for the day.

The event ended with the audience standing to take the pledge.
 
The Stand Against Racism is a movement of the YWCA with the goal of bringing people together from all walks of life - across the country - to raise awareness that racism still exists. The YWCA of Nashville & Middle Tennessee partners each year with YWCAs in 39 states throughout the country to Stand Against Racism, with the goal of bringing people together from all walks of life to raise awareness that racism still exists.