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Racial Justice

Building collaborations with those who share our vision of equity and justice for all.

Sandra L. Cullis, Ed.D. Assistant Superintendent, Denville Township Schools

Our mission statement is Educate, Empower, Excel. The foundation of our work is predicated on all students feeling welcome, seen, and heard in our schools, so that they can be fully present for learning. Our partnership with the YWCA has been instrumental in providing professional development to increase staff cultural competencies. Our teachers feel more empowered to create a welcoming and safe environment for all.

Fighting Racism Together

Throughout our history, YWCA Northern New Jersey has been a pioneer in combating all forms of racial oppression and promoting a more equitable and inclusive society. This work could not be more urgent.

Fighting Systemic Racism

Racism is a public health issue.

Black women are 3 times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than white women.

Confronting Hate

There is an alarming rise in hate crimes nationally.

In the first quarter of 2021, Anti-Asian hate crimes rose 164% in 16 of the largest U.S. cities and counties.

Driving Policy Change

The racial wealth gap is widening.

The net worth of the average white family in the U.S. is 10 times that of the typical Black family.

Join Our Coalition for Change

The foundation of our racial justice work is partnerships with individuals, community organizations, foundations, and government.

Here’s how you can help.

Join Our Racial Justice Task Force

Download Our "How to be an Anti-Racist Activist Guide"

Join Our Stand Against Racism Campaign

Use and share our anti-racism resources

To view upcoming events related to our programming visit our Calendar page and filter through Racial Justice.

Racial Justice Programming

At YWCA Northern New Jersey, we approach our racial justice programming through the lens of Self Exploration, Education, and Action (SEA). We provide opportunities for individuals and groups to work toward systemic change through personal journey-based and evidence-based curricula. Current programs and initiatives include:

Unite Against Hate: The State of Bias Crimes in New Jersey

Unite Against Hate: The State of Bias Crimes in New Jersey

A series of conversations addressing the surge of hate crimes in New Jersey. Learn about the resources, support, and the use of awareness for action, response, and prevention

Our toolkit provides more about the impact of hate crimes and incidents in NJ on those targeted, informs the community of how to report these crimes, and where to find resources for support. You can also find links to our 3-part panel discussions and the Town Hall.

Watch our in-person Unite Against Hate: The State of Bias Crimes in NJ Town Hall at Caldwell University, Click Here!

Unite Against Hate Toolkit

Racial Justice Awards

Racial Justice Awards

Awards that recognize individuals, organizations, and businesses that demonstrate leadership by working to eliminate racism and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.

9th Annual Racial Justice Awards Event

April 19, 2023 • 6:30 PM
Montclair Art Musuem
3 South Mountain Ave, Montclair, NJ

View Our 2022 Racial Justice Photos

PURCHASE TICKETS - BECOME A SPONSOR

R.A.C.E. Training

R.A.C.E. Training

Race and Cultural Empathy Training designed for mental health workers employed by agencies. The focus is to improve their ability to engage effectively with clients and staff from diverse racial and cultural backgrounds. This is done by increasing their knowledge and understanding about racism.

Join our R.A.C.E. Training 

Jan 24, Feb 7, Feb 21 & March 7, 2023
10:00 am – 12:30 pm I Via Zoom

Questions? Contact at mpiccirillo@ywcannj.org or call 201-345 -1894

Register Today!

Parent Matterz™: Junior Jump Start™

Parent Matterz™: Junior Jump Start™

A FREE program to walk Black & Latinx High School Juniors through the college process.  Coaches and mentors will help students with college essays, resumes, college and scholarship applications.

Register Today!

​​Undoing Racism

​​Undoing Racism

A training focused on creating an understanding of where racism comes from, how it functions, why it persists, and how it can be undone.

Raising Race Conscious Children

Raising Race Conscious Children

Raising Race Conscious Children training provides tools to engage in deep-thinking work around race and identity for teachers and parents. Through the use of protocols, we area able to share sensitive issues and topics to dismantle inequitable practices around race, privilege and power.

Learn more about our program and the presenter – click here!

For more information, contact Mary Piccirillo at mpiccirillo@ywcannj.org or 201-345-1894.

 

Apply Now!

21-Day Racial Equity & Social Justice Challenge

21-Day Racial Equity & Social Justice Challenge

An opportunity to create dedicated time and space to build more effective social justice habits, particularly those dealing with issues of race, power, privilege, and leadership.

Sign Up Today!

Courageous Conversations

Courageous Conversations

A discussion series focused on educating our community on racial disparities and injustices.

Stand Against Racism

Stand Against Racism

A program designed to build community among those who work for racial justice and to raise awareness about the negative impact of institutional and structural racism in our communities.

During the week of April 25 to May 1, 2022 you’re invited to Take the Pledge.

Take the Pledge Online!

Voices

Voices

Students are invited to submit poetry, short prose, photography, and artwork that reflects their commitment to building a just world.  The theme for this year’s journal is We Can’t Wait: Equity and Justice Now!  Entries must be submitted by Friday, April 15th. Entries are selected and showcased in our youth literary journal.

For More Info

Solidarity Circle through Art

Solidarity Circle through Art

Students and civic leaders share poetry, photography, short prose, and artwork around understanding the struggles many people face daily.

Share the Mic Now

Share the Mic Now

A weekly program offered through our YWTV Facebook Live platform focused on amplifying the voices of black women in our community. They’re invited to publicly share how they have been impacted by race, and discuss their experiences, struggles, and successes.

Watch our Share The Mic Now Videos

Have an idea for a program?
Tell us about it!

    201-881-1700
    214 State Street, Suite 203A
    Hackensack, NJ 07601

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