Racial Justice
Building collaborations with those who share our vision of equity and justice for all.
Mary
I was so grateful to participate in the Undoing Racism training workshop offered by the YWCA Northern NJ. As a community leader I learned to have a better understanding about systemic racism and developed more empathy towards others.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
YWCA Northern NJ Honored Civic Leaders & Organizations at our 8th Annual Racial Justice Awards Event held on Mon. April 25th
The 2022 Racial Justice Award recipients were:
● BD: YWCA Northern New Jersey Racial Justice Advocacy & Activism Award
● Rhona Vega, Founder & CEO Parent Matterz: YWCA Northern New Jersey Theodora Lacey Award
● AAPI Montclair: YWCA Northern New Jersey Pastor Johnson Award
● Laila Jeffries-El, Student, Bergen County Academies High School: YWCA Northern New Jersey Dr. Arnold Brown Award
Thank you to our sponsors:
BD, Konica Minolta, and Mr. and Mrs. Roderick Thomas.
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.
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!
