The YWCA has been involved in social justice issues for about 150 years, but many people still don’t know the organization’s mission, CEO Dara Richardson-Heron said.
“At the YWCA, we know that we cannot rest until racial, social and gender justice become a reality,” she told “St. Louis on the Air” host Don Marsh on Tuesday.
Events like Ferguson show that there is still work to be done, she said. “I often get frustrated. But then I also think what the world would be if we were not advocating in the way we are advocating.”
Nationally, YWCA is involved in proposed legislation addressing racism and racial profiling, sexual assault and human trafficking, equal pay, and immigration.
Locally, YWCA Metro St. Louis is involved in many of those same issues.
Amy Hunter, YWCA Metro St. Louis’ racial justice director, has been working to bring about understanding in the community, said Adrian Bracy, CEO of YWCA Metro St. Louis. “It’s going to take a lot of work,” she said. “I don’t expect this is going away in the next month or even the next year.”
The YWCA also is partnering with other local organizations and commissions to address social justice concerns.
“We can’t do it alone,” Bracy said. “It’s important that we all, as a community, come together at the table.”
“St. Louis on the Air” discusses issues and concerns facing the St. Louis area. The show is produced by Mary Edwards and Alex Heuer and hosted by veteran journalist Don Marsh. Follow us on Twitter: @STLonAir.