YWomenVote Townhall
By: Dr. Jennifer Lewis, Interim Director, Westchester Center for Racial Equity

The YWomenVote National Town Hall hosted by the YWCA was incredibly inspiring and empowering. The nonpartisan platform gave voice to Generation Z. It highlighted not only the concerns of a diverse group of young women and nonbinary individuals but also their immense potential to influence the future of democracy.

The Town Hall also emphasized that women's voices are essential to shaping policies and addressing critical societal issues. Voting gives women the power to influence decisions that directly affect their lives, the well-being of their families and communities, and the movement toward equality and justice. Our CEO, Tiffany Hamilton, captured this poignant point in her welcome video.

I want to thank our local partners and community members for attending. I would like to give a special thank you to Mrs. Jeanette Gisbert, Executive Director at Volunteer New York! Mrs. Gisbert spoke about her agency's wonderful work and framework, The Civic Circle®. "It is a framework that represents your power to lead, lend support, and take action for causes you care about so that you can drive real and sustained change." Mrs. Gisbert's focus on driving change aligned with the topic of YWomenVote because the Town Hall underscored that every vote counts and that women's participation will continue to create change and is crucial for building a more just and inclusive society.

The YWCA of White Plains & Central Westchester continues the effort. On Tuesday, September 17, from 9:00 - 4:00, the office headquarters is open to the public for voter registration. Being a part of an organization that encourages every voice to be heard is an honor!

The Westchester Center for Racial Equity: Services for the Community
By: Dr. Jennifer Lewis, Interim Director, Westchester Center for Racial Equity

The Westchester Center for Racial Equity (WCRE) at the YWCA of White Plains & Central Westchester offers transformative services to promote racial justice, education, and advocacy in our community. Through workshops, customized training, direct services, community dialogue, and partnerships, we provide individuals and organizations with the tools needed to challenge systemic racism and foster racial equity. 

We work with businesses, schools, and community groups to create actionable strategies for meaningful change. Whether seeking leadership skills, team building, training and development, or community engagement, the WCRE offers expert guidance and impactful solutions. 

Please contact Dr. Jennifer D. Lewis, Director of the Westchester Center for Racial Equity, to learn how we can collaborate to create a more inclusive and equitable future. She can be reached at JLewis@ywcawpcw.org or 914-949-6227, ext. 157

Following is a few of our offerings:

Racial Equity Training: The program delves into topics such as the history of race and racism in America, implicit bias and how it has shaped our country, and the role each person plays in creating a more equitable and just society. Participants leave the session equipped to recognize racist behaviors and practices in their personal lives.

Customized training and education: The tailored programs are designed specifically to the client's needs to foster inclusion, strengthen teams, and cultivate a culture of racial equity in the workplace. Through expert facilitation, interactive sessions, and real-world applications, participants build the skills to address systemic inequities and exercise empathy and awareness. Whether the client wants to enhance leadership capabilities, improve communication, address conflict, become aware of unconscious bias, or foster a more inclusive environment, the training provides the tools and strategies to create lasting change. 

 Direct Services: The WCRE works with managers, leaders, and the board of trustees to assess their internal practices and policies through a racial equity lens. The process may uncover areas where systemic racism may be present and offer guidance and recommendations for creating more inclusive environments. This work may include evaluating hiring and retention, leadership practices, performance management, utilization of 360 assessments and psychometric instruments, and customized programming.

 Partnerships: The WCRE welcomes opportunities to collaborate with others whose mission and purpose align. Recognizing that collective action is essential for lasting change, the WCRE collaborates with other social justice organizations, grassroots movements, consultants, and coalitions to amplify its advocacy and community efforts. These partnerships ensure that the work is comprehensive and inclusive, addressing the needs of all marginalized communities. 

YWCA White Plains & Central Westchester Launched Inaugural Freedom School 
By: Dr. Jennifer Lewis, Interim Director, Westchester Center for Racial Equity

The YWCA of White Plains & Central Westchester, in collaboration with the Westchester Center for Racial Equity, proudly launched the City of White Plains’ first Children's Defense Fund Freedom School on July 8, 2024. This milestone event marks a significant step in the community’s commitment to  racial equity and educational empowerment.

The program, hosted at Union Baptist Church in White Plains, welcomed fifty scholars ranging from kindergarten to fifth grade. The inaugural ceremony was graced by the presence of esteemed elected officials, including Westchester County Executive George Latimer, State Senator Shelley Mayer, and White Plains Mayor Thomas Roach. Their participation underscored the importance of this initiative in the broader effort to foster educational equity and social justice.

Freedom Schools are more than just summer programs; they are transformative educational experiences that promote academic excellence, cultural pride, and social justice. Drawing inspiration from the Civil Rights Movement, the YWCA’s Freedom School is dedicated to empowering young minds by instilling a deep sense of identity and self-worth. This year’s program is particularly poignant as it coincides with the 60th anniversary of the first Freedom School, which opened in 1964 in Mississippi. The legacy of that pioneering effort continues to resonate, making the YWCA’s involvement in this movement both historic and deeply meaningful.

Central to the Freedom School experience is the Integrated Reading Curriculum (IRC), which features books that have been banned in various contexts but are rich in cultural and historical significance. By engaging with literature that reflects their own experiences, students are encouraged to think critically, develop a love for reading, and gain a deeper understanding of their cultural heritage. The presence of community members who volunteer to read aloud to the students adds another layer of connection and support, further enhancing the impact of the program.

Each day at Freedom School begins with “Harambee,” a Swahili term meaning "let's pull together." This daily ritual is a vibrant celebration of unity and cultural pride, setting a positive tone for the day’s activities. Through motivational cheers, songs, and affirmations, students are encouraged to embrace their identity and support one another, fostering a strong sense of community and belonging.

The program’s success is also attributed to the dedication of its staff—college students and recent graduates who share similar backgrounds with the scholars they mentor. Their energy, enthusiasm, and commitment provide a supportive environment where young students feel valued and are inspired to reach their full potential. These mentors serve as powerful role models, demonstrating that success is within reach, regardless of racial or socioeconomic barriers.

But the impact of the YWCA’s Freedom School extends far beyond its six-week duration. The organization offers ongoing programs, workshops, and events that engage parents and the broader community, ensuring that the fight for racial equity is sustained throughout the year. This holistic approach reinforces the YWCA’s commitment to making lasting change in the community.

In conclusion, the Freedom School is a cornerstone in the YWCA's mission to empower children and advance racial equity. It is more than just an educational program; it is a transformative experience that builds confidence, nurtures cultural pride, and lays the foundation for a more just and equitable society. As part of this historic moment, the YWCA and the Westchester Center for Racial Equity are honored to continue the legacy of the Freedom Schools and contribute to the ongoing struggle for social justice.

YWCA Hosted a Community Conversation and Call to Action
By: Dr. Jennifer Lewis, Interim Director, Westchester Center for Racial Equity

The marginalization of young black girls goes back to the late 1800s. Did you know Black girls are sent into the juvenile justice system at a much higher rate than their white peers. Black girls are only 14% of the general population, but they represent 33% of detained girl. "Young girls should be receiving treatment, but their behavior is being criminalized, and they are labeled as delinquents," according to Hon. Davidson. 

The YWCA hosted a Community Conversation and Call to Action about the justice system with three incredible women of color in the legal field: Lurie Daniel Favors, Esq., Hon. Kathie E. Davidson, and Rashida Cartwright-Thigpen, Esq. The moderator of the event, Ms. Tiffany S.W. Hamilton, CEO of the YWCA of White Plains and Central Westchester, asked the panel to opine on three questions: how do we transform the narrative, hold places accountable for addressing this issue, and what is the call to action?