Racial Justice
Building collaborations with those who share our vision of equity and justice for all.
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.
Sandra L. Cullis, Ed.D. Assistant Superintendent, Denville Township Schools
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.
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!
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 2023 RACIAL JUSTICE AWARDS PHOTO GALLERY
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 Tiraj at Tlucas@ywcannj.org or 201-345-1933.
Junior Jump Start™
Junior Jump Start™
A FREE program to support Bergen county High School Juniors through the college process. Coaches and mentors will help students with college essays, resumes, college and scholarship applications.
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 Tiraj at Tlucas@ywcannj.org or 201-345-1933.
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.
Courageous Conversations
Courageous Conversations
A discussion series focused on educating our community on racial disparities and injustices.
Until Justice Just Is
Until Justice Just Is
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.
Each year in April in observance of what was previously known as Stand Against Racism, we support a signature campaign of YWCA USA. This year the name of the initiative was changed to Until Justice Just Is, the new YWUSA signature campaign that replaced Stand Against Racism reflects more inclusive language that supports our evolution around racial justice.
As an organization dedicated to advancing justice for all it is our responsibility to ensure that all are included in the movement towards equality and feel inspired to take part in advancing justice in partnership with us. We invite you to take the Until Justice Just Is pledge – add the link.– click here
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.
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.
Have an idea for a program?
Tell us about it!
