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.
We are excitedly preparing for this year’s virtual Stand Against Racism. Take a picture of yourself holding the 2021 Stand Against Racism sign below and email to kdray@ywcarockco.com so that we can share your support on our Social Media pages. Please share this opportunity with your friends, family and co-workers.
Racial Justice Events
Stand Against Racism
We invite you to join us virtually on Thursday, April 22nd at noon as we explore how understanding the social determinants of public health can advance the work of justice in our community and empower people of color.
Racial Justice Conference
Save the date for a virtual Racial Justice Conference on November 4th 2021 hosted by YWCA Rock County. Join us online from your home, school or office, as presenters offer insight into supporting diverse populations here in our community and beyond.
Courageous Conversations
Courageous Conversations are monthly discussions on race and current events coordinated 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 Recipients
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 Recipients
2015: Community Action, Inc.
2016: School District of Beloit
2017: Blackhawk Bank
2018: Agrace Hospice Care
2019: Community Health Systems, Inc.
2020: STAY TUNED! Announcement coming soon!