The annual Racial Justice Challenge is a virtual learning tool

…designed to create dedicated time and space to build more effective social justice habits, and encourage community-building and conversation on the four weekly topics.

The 2024 Challenge took place in April, but all are invited to the rescheduled Wrap Up Forum on May 21 at St. David’s Episcopal Church in Topeka. Participation in the virtual Challenge is not required for attending the forum. Please come listen and add your voice!

Local Events

The 2024 Racial Justice Challenge will start on Monday, April 1st. In addition to accessing the virtual material, participants will have opportunities to join small-group discussions and local events revolving around this year’s weekly topics.

RESCHEDULED Challenge Wrap-Up: How do we move from learning to action? Join us on Tuesday, May 21, at 7:00 p.m. for a community-wide event! Hear from local expert voices and add your own to the community conversation. *After being canceled due to severe weather, this event has been rescheduled* It will be held at St. David’s Episcopal Church (3916 SW 17th Ave, Topeka), and moderated by Rachel Mipro from the Kansas Reflector.

Weekly Lunch Chats: Each Thursday, Challenge participants from Kansas and the KC metro region are invited to join a virtual, lunch-hour chat hosted by the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library. Join us on Zoom from 12pm-1pm on the following dates: April 4, April 11, April 18, April 25
NEW THIS YEAR
Lunch Chats at Cafe Quetzal: Make plans to grab lunch from Cafe Quetzal on Mondays, April 8 and 22, and join our group for discussion in this unique coffee shop setting.

What to Expect

After registering, participants download the app on a phone or device, or visit the website for links to articles, podcasts, short videos, and activities to learn more on each topic. There is an interactive chat where participants can share their thoughts and reactions!

Thank you to our community partners

As a 2024 Challenge partner, the Kansas Reflector publishes weekly features with a spotlight on local leaders working for change in areas related to the four weekly topics.

Join the Movement.

YWCA Northeast Kansas joins sister YWCAs across the country in hosting the Racial Justice Challenge. Join fellow members of the greater Topeka community in furthering our mission of eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. We have been doing this work for over 130 years.

What inspired YWCA’s Racial Justice Challenge.

YWCA Northeast Kansas wants to thank and acknowledge Dr. Eddie Moore Jr., Debby Irving, and Dr. Marguerite Penick for their leadership in the field of racial equity as exhibited in their 21 Day Racial Equity and Habit Building Challenge and the movement they helped to initiate. The plan has been adopted by Organizations, Associations and Corporations all over the nation/world. Since 2022, YWCA’s content is independently designed, written, and curated by YWCA staff as part of racial equity and social justice programs offered to the community.