Westchester County to Proclaim Thursday, April 27, 2017 as Stand Against Racism Day

How do we prevent the incarceration of girls of color? This will be the topic of discussion when the YWCA White Plains & Central Westchester presents a panel discussion themed: “Women of Color Leading Change” for the annual YWCA Stand Against Racism initiative, hosted by the New York State Judicial Institute. The event takes place at NYS Judicial Institute at Pace Law School Campus in White Plains, NY, on Thursday, April 27 from 4:00 – 6:30 pm. Deputy County Executive, Kevin Plunkett will attend to present a proclamation on behalf of the County Executive, calling this day. Stand Against Racism Day.

At issue is the sobering disparate impact that Black women make up 30%, of women incarcerated, but represent only 13% of U.S. female population. Hispanic women make up 16% of women incarcerated, yet represent only 11% of U.S. female population. In addition, more than 60% of women in state prisons have a child under the age of 18. Not surprisingly, girls of color make up 61% of females in the juvenile justice system, and of these, 31% are victims of sexual abuse. Girls who interact with the juvenile justice system are likely to have multiple experiences of trauma and abuse.

Stand Against Racism is part of the YWCA’s national strategy to fulfill its mission of eliminating racism. To take the Stand Against Racism pledge, visit www.standagainstracism.org

For more information about the event, contact Julia Nesbitt, Director, YWCA Racial Justice Initiatives 914-949-6227 or send an email to jnesbitt@ywcawpcw.org.