Dear Friends,

The Ricky Byrdsong Memorial Race Against Hate is always a meaningful event. But this year is particularly special because it’s the 20th anniversary of the race. We are recognizing this milestone with a breakfast featuring Sherialyn Byrdsong on Thursday, June 13. 

As you know, the Race Against Hate honors the legacy of Sherialyn’s husband, Ricky, who was murdered in 1999 by a white supremacist. In 2000, the Byrdsong family and friends held the first Race Against Hate, and in 2007, it was entrusted to YWCA Evanston/North Shore. It is our honor and privilege to make this event happen each year. 

The horror of Ricky’s death never diminishes, but Sherialyn once referred to the race as a “silver lining in a dark cloud of hate.”

This silver lining is only possible because of all of you who walk, run, volunteer, and find other ways to participate. Because of your engagement, we are able to expand the breadth and depth of our racial justice and violence prevention programs, which are supported with proceeds from the race.

If you’ve never been part of the Race Against Hate, I urge you to join us this year. Your presence makes a powerful statement and keeps that silver lining shining brightly.

Karen Singer
President/CEO
Take action - support equal pay in Illinois

Call your state senator today and urge them to vote “yes” on H.B. 834, the No Salary History Act, which prohibits employers from asking job candidates about their salary history. This bipartisan bill is an important step toward racial and gender pay equity in Illinois. Read our letter of support for the bill. Find your state senator’s contact information here.
First-ever YW Culinary class set to graduate
Our new YW Culinary program, which prepares women for success in the food service industry, hosted an open house for potential employers on May 8, giving them a chance to connect with the eight women who will graduate from the program in June. One member of this first YW Culinary class, who is currently living at Bridges (YWCA's longer term housing for domestic violence survivors), said, “The YWCA saved my life.” Learn more about YW Culinary here.

Pictured above are women enrolled in YW Culinary's first class, accompanied by YWCulinary instructor Gloria Simpson (in blue), and YWCA Housing and Employment Special Kristin Drake (in black).
YWCA leads the way in domestic violence training for stylists
“Requests from salons are pouring in,” said Wendy Dickson (pictured conducting a salon training above), our domestic violence training and prevention director. Why are salon professionals getting trained in domestic violence and sexual assault? Wendy tells the whole story here. 
Thanks for standing against racism with us!
Thank you to the thousands of you who took time from your day on April 24 in Evanston and April 25 in Skokie to be part of the Stand Against Racism. You can watch a short video showing of the Stand above.
For just $10 a month you can provide equity, access and opportunity! 
How? By supporting YWCA programs that help women, children and families across northeastern Chicagoland.  

Your gift today provides:

  • … Safety, healing and support for domestic violence survivors. 
  • … Financial education and job training for women seeking greater economic stability.  
  • … Scholarships for swim lessons to keep all of our children safe in the water. 
  • … Equity training to help individuals and organizations understand and address the impact of race and gender disparities. 
 
Your gift today provides hope for the future. Your gift makes a difference. 

Please give by June 30th. Make a one–time gift or become a Monthly Donor. Please don’t wait, because you can make a difference now! 
We love our Corporate Partners!
YWCA Evanston/North Shore | Phone 847-864-8445 | [email protected] | www.ywca-ens.org