Racial Justice & Advocacy

Encouraging Open Conversation on Racial Equity

YWCAs across the nation have been out in front of the most critical social movements for more than 160 years — from women’s empowerment and civil rights to affordable housing and pay equity. We are committed to standing up for what is right and to empowering members of our community to do the same.

Kristie Puckett-Williams, from ACLU of NC, and District Attorney Spencer Merriweather
ACLU of NC Regional Organizer, Kristie Puckett Williams, and District Attorney Spencer Merriweather speaking at a YWCA Racial Justice forum.

YWCA Central Carolinas’ racial justice efforts have been part of the solution in the Charlotte community for decades. We advocate for policy changes that impact communities of color. We educate our community around issues of racial justice. We mobilize community members, giving them the tools to demand equity. We partner with organizations that are doing the work that will make our systems more equitable for people of color. 

Our forums, Media Matters series and our annual Until Justice Just Is events not only bring awareness to these issues but also empower individuals to take action! We connect community members from across the region by creating a safe space for individuals to learn, to ask questions and to have uncomfortable conversations. Our work, through these conversations, educates and creates advocates for our community.

YWCA Central Carolinas is on a mission to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. This is not just a mission statement – it is a call to action! We are calling you to action – to fight for equity and to stand up for the dignity of all people regardless of race, sexual orientation, or socio-economic status. 

We want to create a world where equity and human decency characterize our culture. We want to create a world where white privilege no longer defines our institutions. We want to create a world where racist ideals that become normalized through culture, social systems, and institutions are eliminated. To do this, we must start by educating ourselves and eliminating individual, interpersonal, institutional, and structural racism. We challenge you to start this journey with us by exploring our pages and joining in on the conversations!

Charlotte City Council at-large representative LaWana Mayfield and Pat Cotham, Mecklenburg Board County Commission Member At Large, engaging in discussion with community members at a viewing and discussion of The 1619 Project docuseries and discussion event series.

Together we are a movement, a powerhouse, and change-makers working to eliminate racism and empower all women and girls.

Please take time to explore our other pages to see how you can be part of the movement:

The intersectional nature of our mission – eliminating racism, empowering women – centers women and girls of color in our advocacy work. Learn what policies we’re supporting and how you can get involved.

See our upcoming racial justice and advocacy events. All YWCA forums and book clubs are free and open to the public.

YWCA’s annual Until Justice Just Is event aims to connect, celebrate and strengthen those working in social and racial justice in and around the Charlotte community.