KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The East Tennessee community will have a chance on Jan. 13, 2024, to participate in an annual event that promotes unity and advocates for eliminating racism.
The YWCA Knoxville and the Tennessee Valley will host its 28th annual Diversity Day and Race Against Racism starting at 9 a.m. in front of the YWCA Phyllis Wheatley Center in downtown Knoxville. Its specific address is 124 South Cruze St.
The event starts with a 5K race, followed by a 1-mile walk and a Kids Fun Run at 10 a.m. After those, families will be able to enjoy free Diversity Day activities. The event includes cultural performances that showcase East Tennessee's diversity as well as keynote speakers from established leaders in the diversity, equity and inclusion fields.
During the event, they will share insights and experiences meant to give attendees perspectives and strategies they can use to combat racism in their own community. There will also be a community expo, where local organizations and businesses championing diversity and inclusion will have a chance to showcase their initiatives and resources.
The YWCA said it has been at the forefront of social movements for around 160 years, and said it believes "that we cannot empower all women unless we also work unequivocally to eliminate racism."
"Through education, advocacy, and community collaboration we can work toward advancing social justice and our mission of eliminating racism. YWCA Knoxville and the Tennessee Valley is committed to working on issues of gender equality, economic inequity, and racial justice. We will continue this work until inequity is eliminated, institutions are challenged and transformed, and the world uplifts women of all races, ethnicities, national origins, religions, sexual orientations, gender identities, and disabilities," the YWCA said on its website.
Anyone interested in signing up for the Race Against Racism can do so online. Anyone interested in volunteering can also reach out to Jean Vance at the YWCA by calling 865-526-7694, or by emailing jvance@ywcaknox.com.
