Contributed to Amjambo Africa by Maggie Davis
On Friday, April 26 and Saturday, April 27, the YWCA Central Maine will host its eighth annual Stand Against Racism. This year’s kick-off event will be Friday evening at 5:30pm with a viewing of Lewiston high school student ZamZam Elmoge’s REASON 4369. This film directed by ZamZam Elmoge and produced by the GENZ Team “focuses on giving a platform for Lewiston kids to tell their stories and break the stereotypes they hear about themselves every day.” Following the film, there will be community dialogues facilitated by community leaders.
Saturday’s program will feature keynote speaker Mufalo Chitam, Executive Director of Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition. “MIRC is a coalition of 60 members that include immigrant constituency groups, advocacy groups, direct service organizations, grassroots community organizations and all who are creating programs and policies reflecting their values and commitment to immigrant inclusion and integration.”
Following the keynote address, there will be break-out sessions facilitated by New Mainers Public Health Initiative, Green Dot L/A, and Seeds of Peace. Before the program concludes, there will be a community call to action as the participants share how we can Stand Against Racism every day.
Stand Against Racism events are free and open to the public. All events will take place at the YWCA Central Maine at 130 East Avenue, Lewiston. Childcare will be provided.
FMI: Contact Maggie at [email protected] or call the YWCA at 795-4050.