Racism is a pandemic, too
Virtual Briefing

About the Event

This event is hosted by YWCA USA in conjunction with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, the Congressional Black Caucus, the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus and the Native American Caucus.

As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recognized, racism is a public health crisis. Centuries of racism in the U.S. have created deep inequities in housing, income, healthcare, education, public safety, transportation, food access, and other social determinants of health, with profound negative impacts on the long-term physical and mental health of millions of people of color. Addressing racism and racial inequities across these myriad systems requires a coordinated public health response that links individuals, communities, and policymakers. 

This virtual briefing will highlight legislation currently pending in Congress that would recognize and address racism as a public health threat. Join YWCA USA and our network of more than 200 local associations in 45 states and DC to learn why passing this legislation is an important first step toward greater racial equity and more effective policy. Together, we can deepen our understanding of racism’s impact on public health, and advance policy solutions that enhance coordination across sectors, invest in prevention, and create opportunity for all.

June 16, 2021 · 3:00 - 4:30 pm et

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Distinguished Speakers

Rep. Joyce Beatty (OH-03)

Congressional Black Caucus Chair

Sen. Sherrod Brown (Ohio)

Sponsor, S.Res. 172

Rep. Judy Chu (CA-27)

Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus Chair

Rep. Jahana Hayes (CT-05)

Sponsor, H.Res. 344

Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04)

Chair, Congressional Hispanic Caucus Racial Justice Task Force

Nan Whaley

Mayor of Dayton Ohio, President, U.S. Conference of Mayors

Anne Saw, PH. D.

Associate Professor, Clinical-Community Psychology at DePaul University

Altha Stewart, M.D.

Past President of the American Psychiatric Association

Mark Del Monte

CEO/Executive Vice President, American Academy of Pediatrics

Elisha Rhodes

Interim CEO and COO, YWCA USA

Vanessa McDowell

CEO, YWCA Madison (WI)

Catherine Beane

Vice President of Public Policy & Advocacy, YWCA USA

Pam Yuen

Director of Government Relations, YWCA USA

In Solidarity We Build

YWCA Racial Justice Summit

From June 23 to 24, 2021

YWCA USA is excited to host the Racial Justice Summit and Gala, themed “In Solidarity We Build,” in partnership with local association leadership, leading organizations, and other key stakeholders to inform and motivate to move forward a critical component of our mission – eliminating racism.