By Paula Penebaker, President & CEO, YWCA Southeast Wisconsin   The 19th Amendment to the US Constitution, which granted all women the right to vote, was passed on June 4, 1919 and ratified on August 18, 1920. While the amendment granted women voting privileges, state laws and state violence meant women of color, particularly black women, did… Continue Reading The Role of Women as Activists

By Jamaal Smith, Racial Justice Community Engagement Manager, YWCA Southeast Wisconsin The Many Faces of Patriotism According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the word patriotism is defined as “love for or devotion to one’s country.” When many think of patriotism, the first thing that comes to mind is the armed forces, which is completely understandable. American troops are… Continue Reading The Many Faces of Patriotism

By Martha Barry, Racial Justice Director, YWCA Southeast Wisconsin  June is the month we celebrate Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer people. There are celebrations, parades, music, and parties. Many will openly revel in being LGBTQ-identified. Focusing on LGBTQ provides an opportunity for reflection on where we’ve been and how we are doing as a nation and… Continue Reading Pride Month & Racism