HAPPENING TODAY: YWCA Stand Against Racism rally

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) - Are you against racism? If you answered yes, the YWCA would like for you to sign a pledge vowing to work against prejudices and discrimination.

“We experience it [discrimination] on a day-to-day basis sometimes," said Evelyn Bryant, the Vice President of the YWCA Lower Cape Fear. "Sometimes people don’t even realize it’s about what you say and how you make the other person feel. Giving certain situations, you may not even understand you hurt by feelings just by something that you said.”

On Thursday, April 25, the YWCA Lower Cape Fear will host it’s ninth annual Stand Against Racism event in downtown Wilmington. The purpose is to work for racial justice.

“We still have to talk about the fact that it exists because you also have people who don’t believe that it still does,” says Lauren McConville, Communications Manager for the YWCA. “This event not only draws out the fact that it still does exists in our communities, but helps to build allies in our community with people of color and with communities of color to stand in solidarity.”

People who attend can sign a pledge to work for racial justice. Anyone can also go to the YWCA’s website and sign up there.

“There’s a full pledge on our website that just makes the stand against racism and highlighting the YWCA’s mission to eliminate racism, empower women and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all,” McConville says. “We have it online on our website but you can also do it at the event. We’ll have a big poster and you can pledge to stand with us.”

There will be a march, speakers, music, and food trucks. The event is open for the entire family. Everyone is asked to wear orange to represent the YWCA and bring their lawn chairs.

“We may not have differences. We may look different, but that’s about it,” said Bryant. "Even though you may be one color and I am a different color, we all still have the same blood running through our veins. We all have feelings and we all want to be loved and I think that’s the key to everything: we all want to be loved.”

The Stand Against Racism event is Thursday from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the 1898 Memorial on 3rd Street.

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