Since the election of the first African-American president, discussions and debates related to the state of race relations in this country have been on the increase. Is it possible equal opportunities and equal rights have been realized and the struggle for racial equality is over?
“This question and many other issues of racial justice are the meat of soon-to-be conversations we’ll have in the community,” says Amy Hunter, the newly named director of Racial Justice for YWCA Metro St. Louis.
Hunter joined the organization in November to help provide the focus and commitment to race equity issues that aligns with the YWCA’s two-pronged mission: eliminating racism and empowering women.
“Racism is the violence or the threat of violence that is perpetuated on members of a community solely on the basis of their skin color, ethnic heritage, or real or perceived racial status,” Hunter says.
“Because of the earned trust we’ve already built in the community for our women empowerment programs, our re-focused racial justice efforts can play an important role in creating a community in which all people are valued.”
Statistics related to discrimination, inequality and racial barriers noted in the National Urban League’s 2009 State of Black America bear out that improvements have been achieved, but the document also notes, “Ironically, even as an African-American man holds the highest office in the country, African Americans remain twice as likely as whites to be unemployed, three times more likely to live in poverty and more than six times as likely to be incarcerated.”
Hunter’s efforts to introduce oftentimes emotional and sensitive topics for discussion have resulted in a re-tooled YWCA Racial Justice Lecture Series. The new “So Reel” format will utilize movie clips to help drive conversations and interactive dialogues around the monthly topics. “Our topics will hold community-wide interest and consist of moderated discussions and seek to increase cultural competence,” she says.
Hunter comes to YWCA with more than 10 years of experience in organizational and corporate diversity and race equity initiatives. She previously worked for six years initiating diversity strategies for Edward Jones. She also served on the faculty of the Dismantling Racism Institute, a National Conference for Community and Justice program, and is a consultant for the University of Missouri-St. Louis. In addition to pursuing a doctorate in social justice, her presentations on race and social justice have been in demand throughout the United States and Canada.
“Amy brings the competencies, intellect and sensitivity that can transform institutionalized and systemic injustices,” says Joy C. Burns, YWCA chief executive officer. In addition to the lecture series, Hunter will provide training for groups and corporations interested in anti-racism programs.
“The Impact of HIV/AIDS on Women and Children in the African-American Community,” is the topic of the next So Reel racial justice forum that takes place on Wed., May 27 at the YWCA Phyllis Wheatley Heritage Center, 2711 Locust St. in midtown St. Louis. The 6 p.m. forum is preceded by a 5:30 p.m. networking period. For a full schedule of topics and dates, visit the YWCA Web site at www.ywcastlouis.org.
