Dear Friends and Members of YWCA Greenwich:

I am writing to you regarding the senseless, heartbreaking death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

We extend our deepest condolences to Mr. Floyd’s family and friends, to the larger Minneapolis and St. Paul communities, and to communities of color across the country that are continually subjected to systemic racism and violence.

YWCA Greenwich condemns racism and bigotry in all its forms. The death of George Floyd is a sickening and stark reminder that we must stay vigilant in our rejection of all forms of violence and hate. We stand ready to continue the ongoing conversation about hate and inequity that we must have on a regular basis to keep our community inclusive and strong.

Six weeks ago, YWCA Greenwich joined YWCAs around the country and took a virtual Stand Against Racism in the middle of a pandemic. We Stand Against Racism every year at Town Hall, and we were determined to take that Stand again in April as COVID-19 laid bare the chronic health disparities between communities of color and the rest of our society.

And today, we Stand Against Racism once again. YWCA Greenwich will stand repeatedly and with the courage to uphold our mission to “Eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.”

Respectfully,

Mary Lee Kiernan

President & CEO