By Jamaal Smith, Racial Justice Community Engagement Manager, YWCA Southeast Wisconsin Every October, America, along with other countries across the globe, continues to celebrate Columbus Day, in recognition of Christopher Columbus’ arrival to the Americas on October 12, 1492.  The earliest celebration of Columbus’ voyage is recorded as early as 1792 by the Tamman Society… Continue Reading Columbus Day Reveals American Hypocrisy

By Leland Pan, Racial Justice Trainer, YWCA Southeast Wisconsin September 15 – October 15 is Hispanic Heritage Month, established in 1988. To start, there is the absurdity of the term “Hispanic,” a made up word by our country to imprecisely designate those who didn’t fit our original racial hierarchy but certainly weren’t extended the privileges… Continue Reading Hispanic Heritage Month

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