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racial justice 17th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast“I accept this award today with an abiding faith in America and an audacious faith in the future of mankind. I refuse to accept despair as the final response to the ambiguities of history. I refuse to accept the idea that the "isness" of man's present nature makes him morally incapable of reaching up for the eternal "oughtness" that forever confronts him. I refuse to accept the idea that man is mere flotsam and jetsam in the river of life, unable to influence the unfolding events which surround him. I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality. I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality.” On January 17, 2010, in the midst of a major snow storm, over 100 people came together to honor the life and work of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. We were joined by Representative John Tierney and Dr. Charles Diggs from the Northern Essex Community College. As Keynote speaker, Dr. Diggs posed the question of whether or not racism had been eliminated through the election of the first African American president. His answers to the question highlighted a continued and growing pattern of discrimination and racially motivated actions. These actions require continued attention to the challenges that racism creates. He then went on to inspire those present to understand that major impacts can result from small actions taken to eliminate racism. Furthermore, each of us can commit to and engage in those small actions to confront racism. The 2010 Nancy E. Peace Action Against Prejudice Award, which recognizes an individual or individuals who have worked towards eliminating racism, fighting prejudice, and celebrating diversity in our community, was presented at the Breakfast. Marilyn Diehl, received the award this year as a result of a lifetime committed to confronting racism. For more information about her life and why the YWCA Greater Newburyport gave her this award, please see the attached article written by Katie Curley Katzman for the Daily News Copyright © 1999-2010 cnhi, inc. At the core of YWCA Greater Newburyport—and sister YWCAs across the U.S. and around the globe—are racial justice efforts that break down internal and external barriers to racial equality and challenge our communities to move toward equity in the workplace, housing, education and all aspects of life. The Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast, is one component of our racial justice program. We invite volunteers to join us in that effort. Volunteer opportunities include assisting with the breakfast and our Stand Against Racism. For more information on how to volunteer for these events, please contact Ellie Davis.
Bringing Together Teens in Our Community and Throughout Massachusetts The most important thing that a community can do to reduce racism and hate-motivated behavior is to help young people understand the implications of racism, to engender respect for others and to celebrate diversity through education and open dialogue. The YWCA Greater Newburyport teen racial justice initiatives include activities planned by and for teens in local high schools. We have sponsored discussion groups, movie nights and study circles. Our participation in the Annual YWCA Regional Teen Racial Justice Conference brought together teens from across the state and gave our teens an opportunity to hear about the lives of others. Our current work includes bringing together leaders of high school diversity groups from the greater Newburyport area to share the strategies, strengths and challenges they face as they bring racial justice issues to their school. YWCA Greater Newburyport’s 18th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast, 2011 Our 18th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast will once again be held at Pentucket Regional High School at 22 Main Street (Rte. 113) in West Newbury on January 17, 2011 from 8 to 10 am. The YWCA Greater Newburyport is seeking sponsors for this event. We appreciate the continued support of the Newburyport Commission on Diversity and Tolerance for helping with this event. The 2010 Nancy E. Peace Action Against Prejudice Award, which recognizes an individual or individuals who have worked towards eliminating racism, fighting prejudice, and celebrating diversity in our community, will be presented at the Breakfast. Nancy E. Peace Action Against Prejudice Award The Nancy E. Peace Action Against Prejudice Award was established in 1998 by the YWCA of Greater Newburyport to recognize individuals who, through their professional or volunteer lives, have made valuable contributions towards eliminating racism, fighting prejudice, and celebrating diversity. In the fall each year, the public is invited to nominate any adult or youth who lives or works in one of the communities served by the YWCA of Greater Newburyport (Newburyport, Newbury, West Newbury, Amesbury, Merrimac, Salisbury, Georgetown, Rowley and Ipswich, MA; and Seabrook, Hampton, Hampton Falls and Kensington, NH.) who meets the criteria for the award. Applications will be available on the web site. The award is presented annually at the Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast. Recipients of Nancy E. Peace Action Against Prejudice Award
Nancy DiGrezio Memorial Scholarship The Nancy DiGrezio Scholarship was endowed in 2007 in honor of Nancy DiGrezio, a board member of the YWCA who was committed to fostering a tolerant and inclusive community. The Nancy DiGrezio Memorial Scholarship is awarded each year to a high school senior attending school within the YWCA Greater Newburyport's service area who is a leader and peacemaker among his or her peers; whose actions exemplify tolerance and understanding of differences; and who, by his or her example, empowers other students to respond to acts of intolerance and discrimination. Click here for more information. Stand Against RacismIn 2010, the YWCA Greater Newburyport, joined the national ywca stand against racism for the first time. Led by high school students, this event encouraged schools, businesses, religious organizations, non-profit agencies and individuals to take time out of the day on April 30, 2010 to pledge to end racism. Over 20 companies and hundreds of people participated. Next year, the stand will be held on Friday, April 29th 2011. To become involved, please contact Ellie Davis. |
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Martin Luther King Jr.
Breakfast January 18, 2010 |
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