Enlarge Children at Tuckasegee Recreation Center listen to speakers during Stand Against Racism Day

Posted: May 6th, 2011 Tonya Jameson

The YWCA’s second edition of Stand Against Racism Day extended beyond its Park Road headquarters last week to community centers throughout Charlotte.

Along with a larger celebration at the YWCA’s Park Road facility, YWCA staff also held smaller celebrations at Naomi Drenan Recreation Center and Tuckaseegee Recreation Center.

Last year the facility held the event on a weekday morning on Park Road. Mayor Anthony Foxx, Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Chief Rodney Monroe and civic leaders attended the event. Speeches and a march on Park Road marked the occasion. This year’s event included a mix of brief speeches and entertainment.

“We just wanted it to be an opportunity where people come together, people from across all kinds of backgrounds to come together and celebrate that we’re stronger together,” said YWCA executive director Kirsten Sikkelee.

Holding the event in different locations and on a Friday afternoon diluted the crowd, but didn’t diminish enthusiasm. The parents and children who did attend enjoyed music, snacks and inspirational message about the fight for unity.

Robert Fleming was taking his three children to Tuckasegee Recreation Center to enjoy the playground when he stumbled on the Friday afternoon celebration. He pulled up a chair and listened as Marvette Monroe, YWCA board member, talked about the importance of eliminating racism together.

Fleming said his children are biracial. He hopes programs such as Stand Against Racism will teach adults and youth the importance of accepting diversity.

At the YWCA, performance artist Kali Ferguson shared a poem that marked the occasion. One Voice Chorus sang several songs. Participants also perused a photo exhibit in that highlighted the city’s fight against racism.

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