Written by Martha Barry, PhD, Racial Justice Director, YWCA Southeast Wisconsin Given the current national emphasis, much of our focus is on Hispanics/Latinos immigration. Our attention lingers on the horrors of detention centers at our US – Mexico border. Seeing young people ripped from their parents and held in inhumane conditions is heartbreaking. Immigration is… Continue Reading National Hispanic Heritage Month

Written by Paula Penebaker, President & CEO, YWCA Southeast Wisconsin On August 26, 2019 we will celebrate the 1920 ratification of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution prohibiting the states and federal government from denying the right to vote to citizens of the United States on the basis of sex. The date was first celebrated… Continue Reading Women’s Equality Day

Written by Martha Barry, PhD, Racial Justice Director, YWCA Southeast Wisconsin Patriotism: a loaded term.  One can think of going to war to defend our country, of allegiance or loyalty to the country, or nationalism. It can also include images of flags, fireworks, backyard barbecues and family celebrations. We often think of the 4th of… Continue Reading Patriotism

Written by Jamaal Smith, Racial Justice Community Engagement Manager, YWCA Southeast Wisconsin “Hands Up, Don’t Shoot!” “You’re pretty for a Black girl!” “I can’t breathe!” “Guilty!” “Criminals!” “Rapists!” “Drug dealers!” All of these statements or declarations are common when referencing people of color.  The belief in biological inferiority of Black and Brown people in comparison… Continue Reading Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and its Connection to Racism