YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee Hosts Rooted in Justice Community Gathering at Scarritt Bennett Center
Our community reaffirmed its commitment to social justice and dignity for all at the annual Stand Against Injustice event on Sept. 10, 2026.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (September 11, 2026) — On Thursday, September 10, 2026, YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee, in partnership with Scarritt Bennett Center, hosted Rooted in Justice, the 2026 Stand Against Injustice Community Event, at Harambee Auditorium on the campus of the historic Scarritt Bennett Center.
The gathering brought together dozens of partners, elected officials, and community members for an afternoon of reflection, recognition, and recommitment to the work of justice in Nashville. Held in a space with deep roots in education, women’s leadership, and social change, the event invited attendees to consider not only the history they inherit, but the role they are called to play now.
This year’s program honored Dr. Sekou Franklin, Executive Director of the John Lewis Center for Social Justice at Fisk University, with the Carrie Hull Award for his leadership in civil rights, social justice, and education. Dr. Franklin served as keynote speaker at last year’s Stand Against Injustice gathering, Together We Rise, which commemorated the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act. His recognition this year created a meaningful through line between remembrance, recommitment, and continued action.
The Carrie Hull Award honors individuals whose work carries forward YWCA’s legacy of justice, community leadership, and public service. Carrie Hull was the first African American board member of the integrated YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee following the merging of the Blue Triangle Branch and the Nashville YWCA in 1964. This year’s gathering honored that legacy by uplifting the Blue Triangle Branch’s role in creating space for African American women and girls in Nashville to gather, learn, and advocate during segregation.
The award was presented by Tina L. Fox, last year’s Carrie Hull Award recipient. In her remarks, Fox offered a powerful introduction of Dr. Franklin, recognizing the depth of his scholarship, the consistency of his advocacy, and his longstanding commitment to civil rights, voting rights, and community-rooted leadership.
“Dr. Franklin reminds us that the work of justice requires both historical memory and present-day courage,” said Fox. “His scholarship, advocacy, and service have helped shape the civic life of Nashville and have strengthened the broader movement for justice in Tennessee and beyond.”
Dr. Franklin’s leadership at the John Lewis Center for Social Justice connects directly to the spirit of the gathering. Named for the late Congressman and Fisk University alumnus John Lewis, the Center advances social justice through policy-impact research, student leadership development, and partnerships with advocacy and civil rights organizations. In honoring Dr. Franklin, YWCA recognized not only an individual leader, but a larger legacy of civic courage, nonviolent resistance, and public service. Fisk University President Dr. Agenia Clark attended the ceremony.
The event also included a proclamation from the Women’s Caucus recognizing Ruth Ann Harnisch and the Harnisch Foundation for their continued support of YWCA’s social justice programming. The Harnisch Foundation has helped sustain YWCA’s Stand Against Injustice series and related community learning spaces that bring people together for dialogue, civic engagement, and collective reflection.
Rev. Dr. Sondrea Tolbert, Executive Director of Scarritt Bennett Center, opened the program with an invocation that grounded the gathering in the image of roots and branches. Her remarks reflected on what it means to be deeply rooted in history, faith, and community, and reminded attendees that strong roots allow communities to extend outward as branches in the ongoing work of social change.
Throughout the gathering, YWCA’s Senior Manager for Social Justice, Delanyo Mensah, invited attendees to name their own role in the larger ecosystem of social change. Guests reflected on the role they play, the next step they can take, and one bridge they can build across communities, organizations, and movements. The event closed with a collective pledge against injustice, sending attendees out with a renewed commitment to remain engaged.
“Rooted in Justice was a reminder that social change is not sustained by one person, one organization, or one moment,” said Sharon K. Roberson, President & CEO of YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee. “It takes all of us recognizing the role we play and building stronger bridges across our community.”
The program also featured musical selections by award winning Nashville School of the Arts senior, Ariah J’Nae McEwen, with photography by Dasha Grayson.
About YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee
For over 125 years, YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee has helped women, girls, and families in Nashville and Middle Tennessee build safer, more self-sufficient lives. Programs include Domestic Violence Services, Girls Inc., AMEND Together, Dress for Success, the Family Learning Center, and Social Justice & Advocacy. For more information, visit www.ywcanashville.com and follow YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee on Instagram and Facebook at @YWCANashville.
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