YWCA Evanston/North Shore statement on events at Capitol
by Karen Singer, CEO, YWCA Evanston/North ShoreAs I write this, we are still reeling from the events that transpired at our Capitol on Wednesday, and we know many of you are as well. We are horrified and angry, as once again it has starkly illuminated how white privilege plays out in everyday life and how deeply it is embedded in the structures of our country.It was an assault on our democracy, and while our democracy has never been perfect, the ballot box gives voice to those who have all too often been suppressed. Wednesday’s events revealed how deeply racial injustice is ingrained in our system and how the color of one’s skin determines whether law enforcement will respond with tear gas, batons and tanks (as witnessed during Black Lives Matter protests) versus the way they respond when mostly white people attempt an assault on our Capitol. This is unacceptable.YWCA Evanston/North Shore remains fully committed to our mission of eliminating racism and we stand in solidarity with communities of color and with everyone who is working to amplify the voices of those who have traditionally been marginalized. We will not be silent in the face of injustice.For perspective:
- Listen to Police response at the Capitol brings claims of 'white privilege' (PBS interview with Ibrahm X. Kendi)
- Read What happened at the Capital shows white privilege in plain view (Harper’s Bazaar article by Chidozie Obasi)
- Statement on events at U.S. Capitol (by YWCA USA CEO Alejandra Y. Castillo)