Dear YWCA Family,
Executive orders issued this week by the new administration have amplified anxiety and fear for so many people across our nation. YWCA’s mission of eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all people compels us to have courage, speak the truth and stand with and for those who are most vulnerable in light of such orders.
On the same day that our nation honored the life’s work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., whose work for justice continues, our country also inaugurated our new president. In the worship service traditionally held as a part of the inaugural events, Reverend Mariann Edgar Budde, Episcopal Bishop of our nation’s capital, spoke directly.
She reminded our incoming leaders that Americans had placed their trust in them and asked the new president “to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now.” She asked, “God grant us the strength and courage to honor the dignity of every human being, to speak the truth to one another in love.”
This morning, one of our youth learning center coordinators said to me, “In such fearful, discouraging times, I’m encouraged to be a part of this work at YWCA. It gives me hope.” I couldn’t agree more.
Throughout our history, YWCA Central Carolinas has aspired to serve as a beacon of hope in the face of racism, misogyny, injustice and discrimination. May we all have the courage to hold fast to our values and speak out when faced with injustice. For in our humanity, we are indeed one.
Peace be with each of you,
Kirsten D. Sikkelee
Chief Executive Officer
