Structural racism plays a large role in determining the conditions in which people are born, grow, work, live and age. These factors affect people’s access to quality housing, education, food, transportation, political power and other social determinants of health. Understanding and addressing systemic racism from a public health perspective is crucial to eliminating racial and ethnic inequities, and to improving opportunity and well-being across communities.

We take a Stand Against Racism every day by raising awareness about the impact of institutional and structural racism and by building community among those who work for racial justice. YWCA USA’s 15th annual Stand Against Racism campaign takes place April 22 – 25, 2021. Join us for a Racial Justice event in April or find other events hosted by YWCAs across the country at standagainstracism.org.