Action Conversations on Race
Every third Wednesday of the month 12-1pm EST, YWCA Greater Pittsburgh’s Center for Race & Gender Equity presents Action Conversations on Race, a panel discussion dedicated to racial justice. Featuring local experts and leaders in fields such as equity and diversity, policy change, and advocacy, these conversations are designed to build community and create change.
Upcoming Themes
Our Action Conversations on Race take place on the third Wednesday of every month at 12-1pm EST.
May 15, 2024: Housing Justice
Housing justice is a relatively new term for the long-standing idea that safe, affordable, and accessible housing is a fundamental human right. Our panelists will discuss the current housing landscape in Pittsburgh, specifically the historical and ongoing disparities caused by structural racism and other systems of oppression. They also propose solutions to attain healthy housing for us all.
July 17, 2024: Reparations
The call for reparations in the United States by Black and Indigenous communities is not new. Financial compensation and land sovereignty are two kinds of reparations, but there are many other ways to address the harms caused by forced unpaid labor, land theft, violence, and racism. Panelists will review the history of reparations, clarify purpose, and offer contemporary examples.
August 21, 2024: Prison Abolition
It is widely known that people of color, especially Black Americans, are over-represented within the U.S. prison system. Many people have come to the conclusion that incarceration is not an effective response to nor deterrent of crime. Our panelists will examine how prisons perpetuate racial inequities and offer key arguments for prison abolition as a way to make our communities healthier and safer.
Upcoming Topics
September 18, 2024: Restorative Justice
Many of us have heard of prison abolition, but are unsure of what an alternative process of accountability could look like. Restorative justice is a set of principles and practices that emphasizes healing in the aftermath of harm as opposed to punishment. Panelists will explain the major characteristics of this framework and describe what it would look like to prioritize reparative practices in our responses to crime.
October 16, 2024: Peace
Promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all has been a constant vision and goal throughout the more than 156 years of YWCA’s history in Pittsburgh and around the world. In support of YWCA’s annual Week Without Violence, this conversation focuses on contemporary peace movements and their interlocking relationship to eliminating racism and empowering women.
November 20, 2024: TBD
December 18, 2024: Black Maternal Health
Black women and birthing people in Pittsburgh are more than twice as likely to die while pregnant, during birth or postpartum, compared to their white counterparts. Steep racial inequities persist, however a passionate base of advocates and professionals in our city are working to improve these unjust conditions so that Black birthers may experience the healthy pregnancies and deliveries they deserve. Panelists will review racialized disparities in maternal health and recommend ways to improve birthing outcomes.
Are you interested in participating as a panelist or do you have a topic idea for an Action Conversation?
Contact Adale Sholock at asholock@ywcapgh.org
Latest Action Conversations
White Savior Complex - January 17, 2024
MLK Day is officially recognized as a National Day of Service in which people are encouraged to spend the day volunteering in honor of Dr. King’s life of service. But, volunteerism, especially in international contexts, is too often motivated by “white saviorism,” which can harm more than it helps communities in need. Join as panelists discuss white saviorism and how to volunteer in ways that truly contribute to Dr. King’s goal of Beloved Community.
Women in DEI - March 20, 2024
The National Women’s History Month’s theme for 2024 celebrates “Women Who Advocate for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.” This timely theme recognizes those women who do the necessary work of eliminating bias and discrimination from our lives and institutions. Yet, more than 30 states have introduced bills banning or limiting DEI initiatives during their current legislative session. Join the conversation and show your support for our panel of advocates as they discuss the value of DEI.
Mutual Aid - February 21, 2024
Mutual aid is a practice wherein everyday people work together to meet the needs of those in their community. Racial justice groups like the Black Panther Party and Young Lords pioneered mutual aid by collectively sharing their skills and assets to offer community-led medical, food, housing, and educational assistance. Panelists discuss the decolonialist, antiracist, and anticapitalist roots of mutual aid as well as contemporary opportunities for action.
Supported by ↘
Our Action Conversations on Race are presented by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield & Allegheny Health Network. Thank you for your support!
Interested in sponsoring our Action Conversations on Race?
Contact us at development@ywcapgh.org.