Angela Davis, one of the most iconic public figures and political activists, will keynote at YWCA’s Women for Racial Justice Breakfast on Tuesday, October 11, at 9 a.m., at the Pasadena Hilton.
Now in its 20th year, the breakfast brings a diverse group of people, especially those who work and live in the communities where the YWCA serves, to assist with learning and bring a call to action to advance racial justice. The breakfast raises funds to support the YWCA Glendale and Pasadena’s Girls’ Empowerment Programs that includes Camp Rosie, Girls Circle and TechGYRLS. For more information, inquire at [email protected].
“This year’s breakfast continues our rich tradition and legacy as we focus on the theme of “Making the Improbable, Possible,” said Tara Peterson, CEO of the YWCA Glendale and Pasadena.
“We are honored to welcome the incomparable Angela Davis to share an inspiring and powerful message with our guests.” KTLA’s Emmy Award Winning News Anchor, Cher Calvin will emcee the breakfast.
Davis, a master scholar, is known for a long-history of addressing issues about community, gender equity, social justice, and alliances across color lines. “We all have a certain measure of responsibility to those who have made it possible for us to take advantage of the opportunities,” said Davis in a PBS interview in 1997.
“The door is opened only so far. If some of us can squeeze through the crack of that door, then we owe it to those who have made those demands that the door be opened to use the knowledge or the skills that we acquire not only for ourselves but in the service of the community as well.”
The annual event recognizes women for their accomplishments that are in line with the YWCA Glendale and Pasadena. “We are proud to honor four outstanding women for their significant achievements in eliminating racism and empowering women,” said Peterson who also co-founded and leads the Coalition for an Anti-Racist Glendale.
The 2022 honorees are: Angela Aguirre, a poet, author, and activist; Dr. Giovanna Brasfield, CEO and principal consultant, Brasfield & Associates, DEI advocate; Connie Chung Joe, CEO of Asian Americans Advancing Justice – Los Angeles; and Surina Khan, CEO of Women’s Foundation of California.
YWCA Glendale And Pasadena has been eliminating racism and empowering women in the community for over 95 years.
“The YWCA Glendale and Pasadena demands a world of equity and human decency. We envision a world of opportunity. We commit ourselves to the work of racial justice,” said Peterson. “We will get up and continue to do the work until injustice is rooted out, until institutions are transformed, until the world sees women, girls, and people of color the way we do: Equal. Powerful. Unstoppable.”
No doubt that the alignment of the YWCA Glendale and Pasadena with Davis is relationship of two great champions fighting for human rights and ending racism.
“I’m no longer accepting the things I cannot change,” said Davis, a professor at the University of California, Santa Cruz. “I’m changing the things I cannot accept.”
