Editor’s note: This press release was provided by County Legislator Terry Clements.

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Racism is one of the terrible scourges of civilization. Born out of ignorance, exploited by some for personal or financial gain, it is a systemic force in society that sows division, deepens conflict and keeps us divided, as individuals and as a society.

The efforts we make every day to stand up for social justice and to combat racism — as well as sexism, sexual orientation bias, and other biases — help families and strengthen our community.

That’s why I’d like to call your attention to the YWCA USA’s Stand Against Racism campaign this week, designed to build community among those who work for racial justice and raise awareness about the impact of institutional and structural racism.

Founded by YWCA Trenton and YWCA Princeton in 2007, Stand Against Racism quickly grew to a national presence by 2010, when an additional 80 YWCAs across the nation participated.

The YWCA White Plains & Central Westchester is inviting Westchester residents to take a Stand Against Racism during the campaign from April 22 – 25, 2021.

The YWCA is asking residents to join in taking a pledge against racism with an online form at https://ywcawpcw.org/events/stand-against-racism__trashed/take-the-pledge

The YWCA is also hosting an online Stand Against Racism panel discussion on Thursday, April 22, 2021 from 9 – 10:30 a.m., which marks the launch of the Westchester Center for Racial Equity. You can register for the Zoom event at: https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E144970&id=92

At the Board of Legislators, every day is Stand Against Racism day.

Equity, social justice and expanding and protecting equal opportunity is a paramount consideration in our oversight of County government, in the laws we pass, in the way we conduct the people’s business, and in the messages we send to and examples we set for the people of Westchester County. It is also part of the important ongoing work of the County’s Human Rights Commission, which enforces our fair housing laws, provides programs to foster education, awareness and understanding of diversity, unity and humanity, and coordinates County response to hate incidents.

Ending systemic racism means continually and fearlessly examining and improving the system itself whenever and wherever we find bias. That is something we must do and will continue to do.

I thank the YWCA White Plains & Central Westchester for participating in this important initiative and for introducing the Center for Racial Equity as a dedicated space for working towards advancing racial equity in Westchester County. More information on the Center and its programs can be found at: https://ywcawpcw.org/events/the-center-for-racial-equity

Thank you for joining in the effort to improve and strengthen Westchester County by standing against racism.