The YWCA Princeton and the YWCA of Trenton will observe the National Day of Commitment to Eliminate Racism on Friday, April 29, in collaboration with Princeton University and Princeton Human Services. A full morning of events is planned in Liberation Hall at the Princeton University Carl Fields Center for Equality and Cultural Understanding, 86 Olden St., Princeton.
Activities will include breakfast at 9 a.m., followed by a poetry reading by Cecelia B. Hodges, well-known professor, actor, producer, and writer; a presentation of awards to Trenton High School essay contest winners (topic: What was Martin Luther King’s legacy, and how are you living it?); musical selections from various Trenton children’s singing groups; a community panel discussion on the theme "Civil Rights Civil Transformation: What can we do?" and an official signing of the Birmingham Pledge by those who feel very strongly about the negative impact of racism and want to make a difference.
The public is welcome to attend and ask questions of the panel. There is no fee, but those wishing to attend are asked to RSVP to (609) 497-2100, ext. 335.
According to Eileen Conway, executive director of the YWCA Princeton, and Sharon Bonitz, chief operating officer of the YWCA of Trenton, the National Day of Commitment to Eliminate Racism is an opportunity to raise awareness.
"The mission of the YWCA is to eliminate racism and empower women," said Ms. Conway. "Observing this Day of Commitment gives each of us the opportunity to reconnect and recommit to eliminating racism both personally and within our communities. We must work together on this important issue if we are to ensure that all people live with respect, dignity, peace, and justice."
The YWCA National Day of Commitment to Eliminate Racism began in 1992 as a response to the Rodney King beating and trial. In 1997, President Bill Clinton and the United States Senate proclaimed April 30 as the YWCA National Day of Commitment to Eliminate Racism and Erase the Hate. In 1998 the YWCA marked the annual Day of Commitment by partnering with the President’s "Initiative on Race."
Recently, the YWCA nationally established two Hallmark Programs: Racial Justice and Women’s Economic Empowerment.
For more information, contact Pamela Elmi at (609) 497-2100, ext. 307, or by e-mail at [email protected].

