A look back at our 2024 rally:

On Thursday, Sept. 26, YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee hosted its Annual Stand Against Injustice Community Rally and Advocacy Fair at the Historic Courthouse & City Hall Metro Council Chamber. This year’s theme, Healing Through Unity, was powerfully reflected throughout the day, which featured inspiring speeches, heartfelt music, and a commitment to building a more just and equitable community.

The event kicked off with the Advocacy Fair, where attendees connected with local organizations dedicated to social justice, including the American Muslim Advisory Council, AWAKE, League of Women Voters, Black Mental Health Village, Mashup, The Equity Alliance, Office of Family Safety, and Tennessee Justice Center. These partners showcased the impactful work they do every day to improve our community, offering attendees opportunities to get involved and support their initiatives.

Fisk University music students Imani Suitt and Elsie Golden then opened the rally with a stirring rendition of Lift Every Voice and Sing, setting a reflective and empowering tone.

Vice Mayor Angie Henderson and Mayor Freddie O'Connell shared remarks, with the Mayor’s powerful words resonating deeply:
"We’re pushing back—pushing back against hate groups who seek to disrupt our government and our shared sense of security. Pushing back against systemic injustices that disrupt families and negatively impact health outcomes, both physical and mental."

Following this, Councilwoman Kyonzté Toombs, Chair of the Minority Caucus, read the unanimously passed Resolution RS2024-727, declaring racism a public health crisis in Nashville and Davidson County. This declaration marked a significant commitment to addressing systemic racism at a local level.

The keynote speaker, Katina Beard, CEO of the Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center, delivered a powerful address on the intersection of racism and public health. She shared:
"Racism is a public health issue because it is an invasive disease that has consumed every part of our society... it has mutated over time, and we learn to adjust to its forms. Together we can heal from the damage racism has done to our health and our communities. But it will take unity, courage, and relentless effort."

We were also proud to honor Rita P. Mitchell with the prestigious Carrie Hull Award, which recognizes individuals who embody YWCA’s mission of eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. Rita has been a tireless advocate for our programs and a strong leader within our organization, serving as board chair twice and advocating for vital initiatives like Shear Haven and Girls Inc.

Before concluding, the audience came together to recite the YWCA’s Pledge Against Racism, led by Cathy Carrillo from the Metro Human Relations Commission, reaffirming our collective commitment to justice and equality.

The event closed with a beautiful performance of What About Love by Imani Suitt and Elsie Golden, leaving the audience inspired and hopeful.

We are deeply grateful to our sponsors, The Harnish Foundation and the Metro Human Relations Commission, for their generous support in making this event possible. Their commitment to standing against injustice is invaluable to our ongoing work.

Thank you to everyone who attended and partnered with us this year. We look forward to continuing this important work, and we can’t wait to see you all next year as we stand together in unity and strength.

A look back at our 2023 rally:

The 2023 rally theme was "Votes against Violence," and underscored the critical intersection of voting rights and gun violence. Community leader D. Billye Sanders was presented with the Carrie Hull Award for her work on racial and civil justice.

Author, activist, and founder of Rise and Shine Tennessee, Maryam Abolfazli, provided keynote remarks to the packed Metro Council Chamber.  “We all hurt when there are guns everywhere. Guns have become an accessory item,” said Abolfazli. “We must engage in the stories of our lives, participate in elections, and vote.”

Nashville Youth Poet Laureate Lochlan Cook, a student at the Nashville School for the Arts, performed a spoken word piece. “Fire needs fuel, plants need water, violence needs silence.”

Johna Jackson with the W. Crimm Singers led the audience in song. The selections included “This Little Light of Mine” and “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”

Mayor Freddie O’Connell, a steadfast attendee to the annual Stand events, told the crowd that a chorus of voices will bring change. Vice Mayor Angie Henderson, Councilwoman-at-Large Zulfat Suara, and Councilwoman Brenda Gadd attended the community event. The YWCA Stand Against Racism Community Rally and Advocacy Fair featured an array of voting rights and community groups and advocates, as well as gun violence prevention champions. The event was made possible through the generous support of The Harnisch Foundation and the Metro Human Relations Commission.

(Photos courtesy of Brandy Byrd)