Racial Justice
As part of the Racial Justice and Immigrant Outreach program, YWCA Rock County is a part of the national movement of more than 200 YWCA’s working to eliminate racism. Our commitment, like our national organization, runs deep. While the YWCA has been working in Rock County since 1922, addressing issues facing women, our mission has been refined to focus on the challenges of racism and civil rights.
Racial Justice Events
Racial Justice Conference
Join us November 12, 2020 for the 6th annual Racial Justice Conference. The 2020 conference will be held virtually. Make sure to save the date, as registration will be available soon!
Stand Against Racism
The annual Stand Against Racism event was held in May, as part of a YWCA USA nationwide initiative. This year's theme was civic engagement and Census participation.
Courageous Conversations
Courageous Conversations are monthly discussions on race and current events sponsored by Community Action Inc., Diversity Action Team of Rock County and YWCA Rock County.
Annual Racial Justice Awards
The Racial Justice Award recognizes an individual who actively strives to eliminate racism and promote racial equality. Recipients have a strong commitment to peace and race relations, participate in specific peacemaking or anti-racism activism and demonstrate leadership and service to others.
YWCA Rock County presents the award annually at the MLK Commemoration event in January, which is held at Blackhawk Technical College.
Previous Racial Justice Award Winners
2013
Sonja Robinson
2014
Jane McCauley
2015
Jeanne Carfora & Albert “Fritz” Elsen
2016
Ruth Kolpack
2017
Billy Bob Grahn & Dr. Karen Schulte
2018
Dorothy Harrell
2019
POlice Chief david moore
2020
George Williams
YWCA Rock County presents the Dorothy Height Award annually at the Racial Justice Conference. This award recognizes a business within Rock County that has demonstrated a sustained commitment in the pursuit of cultural diversity, inclusion and retention in the workplace.
Dorothy Height Diversity in the Workplace Award Winners
2015: Community Action Inc.
2016: School District of Beloit
2017: Blackhawk Bank
2018: Agrace Hospice Care
2019: Beloit Area Community Health Center