Words matter but actions to fight racism matter more

We are living in a cultural moment when issues around race are becoming more and more complex, heated and pervasive. As a woman of color and leader of YWCA Columbus, an organization with the stated mission of eliminating racism and empowering women, I feel moved to take a stand against President Donald Trump’s recent remarks.

His comments about four members of Congress — all women of color — are infused with racism and cultural insensitivity that cannot be tolerated. Words matter — they have real impact on people’s behaviors. The words spoken by the most powerful leader in our country are a clear

statement on who he thinks belongs in our communities and who does not. His words are a clear statement of disrespect to countries populated with black and brown people, and an indicator of his contempt for the same groups within our own country.

Amid this type of racist rhetoric, we should not lose sight of the “invisible” lines we draw that separate ourselves from each other as well — these are the lines that last. These are the lines, for example, that mark Columbus as the second-most economically segregated city of its size in the country. In our community, we can draw lines around neighborhoods with high infant mortality rates, eviction rates, health disparities and youth vulnerability. These lines overlap where households of color are concentrated and where red lines meant to marginalize people of color were drawn on maps around neighborhoods in the 1930s.

Political leaders change, but these systems and policies take more time and intention, more resources to undo. This is where we need our allies and advocates to dig into the work with us. Yes, we should be upset by the words that were spoken by our president — they go against everything we stand for as a country. But we need to be just as upset about the systems of marginalization that, unchecked, have led to a staggering racial and gender wealth gap, affordable housing crises across the country, increased poverty and more. We see the outcomes of such marginalization in the work we do and the people we serve every day at YWCA Columbus.

We continue to take action because we believe in leading by example. In 1910 we opened the first public child care program for working mothers in Franklin County. In the 1940s and ‘50s we pushed to integrate racially segregated housing at YWCAS across the country, and in 1974 a YWCA staff member led the way to Ohio’s ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment from our Downtown building.

We push toward a Columbus where every person is treated with dignity. In October, we will educate the community on how to promote empowerment and inclusion at our annual fundraiser “Activists and Agitators: Find Your Voice, Let It Out,” featuring mental health and social justice activist Achea Redd. We are happy to be a part of a community where we can create space to hash out these issues, look for solutions and march boldly toward equity and inclusion.

Here are five actions you can take to make a difference:

1) Take a stand against racism. When you see something, say something. Have difficult conversations with friends, family and neighbors. Standing up to racism is a powerful sign of support.

2) Diversify your own experiences — where you visit, whom you engage in conversation, what authors you read and podcasts you listen to. Be willing to change how you hold a space and how you show up.

3) Join community conversations about important work in your community and policies that are under review. Check out the Franklin County Rise Together Blueprint.

4) Join the Columbus Foundation on Aug. 28 for The Big Table, a day of community building through conversations. Consider hosting a Big Table conversation.

5) Register to vote, and vote in every election. Your vote and voice count.

In order to make inroads against inequity, we all have to participate. Our table is big, there is room for everyone. Join us, stand up for dignity!