Unite Against Racism 2024
The 2024 Unite Against Racism event was a sight to see, the community enraptured by the voices of local leaders who not only spearheaded equity, inclusion, and much-needed change dialogue, but who were willing to share their personal stories and vulnerabilities to lend a voice and insight to the community of Evanston and beyond.
Under the guidance of the YWCA Evanston/North Shore’s Equity Institute Learning Manager, Heather Sweeney, the event was able to be brought to life.
The evening began a cool spring day, the skies clear and the clouds milling about overhead. Within the Fleetwood-Jourdain Center, visitors and staff gathered as the stage was set. Cocina Azteca, a beloved community food favorite, contributed their services by providing tamales, chips, guacamole, salsa and smiles.
The event headliners soon filed in alongside local community members, YWCA supporters, board members, and many more. Filled to the brim, 200+ people sat with rapt attention as the speaker and panelist began their dialogue to help guide community change.
Jessica Vazquez Torres was a great facilitator, asking the right questions in the room to both panelists and the audience. At ease, relaxed and focused, Jessica steered the conversation with grace. Some of the questions included:
What do you think is required for the cultivation of accountable solidarity…? What do people have to be willing to do…?
What does accountable solidarity look like…? Do you think it’s possible..? Have you experienced it…?
Tanya Watkins shared empowering and insightful stories, concepts, and sobering realities. With her explanations of what it means to her to be Black in our current modern-day society, she gave tangible actions community members could take to support Black communities and individuals in their own lives, keeping in mind on how to prevent further adding to harm.
Xavier Ramey shared ideas on the obstacles that lie in place when individuals have to confront loved ones on matters of oppression, injustice, and racial tensions. His ideas bordered on approaching others with love and the end-goal being connection and relationship to further justice and education.
Shawna Bowman furthered these concepts from a white, queer lens and confronted whiteness in the ways allies are advised to if seeking true support of the marginalized.
There were times the room laughed joyfully together and times that were stunningly silent in revelation of a story or an idea. At the end of it all, a standing ovation welcomed the speakers, panelist, and YWCA staff that helped to make it all happen. If interested, please feel free to see the Facebook album or read the recap on the event!
