“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.

America has come a long way in the decades since King’s time when it comes to matters of inequality and racial justice, but there’s still a long way to go. Unfortunately, the path toward achieving true justice is often obscured by bad actors who spread misinformation and misconceptions about equity and what that really means.

At the YWCA of Black Hawk County, we are dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. One of our most impactful initiatives is the "Until Justice Just Is" campaign, which aims to address systemic injustices and create a more equitable society. Today, we’ll explore the campaign's goals, why it's crucial to support it, and how you can get involved.

Key Takeaways

  • The "Until Justice Just Is" campaign is essential for addressing systemic injustices.
  • Supporting the campaign helps create a more equitable society.
  • Get involved by donating, volunteering, advocating, and taking the pledge.

What is "Until Justice Just Is"?

"Until Justice Just Is" is a powerful campaign spearheaded by YWCA USA to tackle issues of racial justice and gender equity. The campaign seeks to raise awareness, advocate for policy changes, and mobilize communities to take action against systemic injustices. By addressing these critical issues, we strive to create a society where justice is not just an ideal but a reality for everyone.

Why Support "Until Justice Just Is"?

Systemic injustice affects countless individuals and communities, leading to disparities in education, employment, healthcare, and more. Supporting the "Until Justice Just Is" campaign means standing up against these inequities and working towards a fairer, more inclusive society. By participating in the campaign, you can help amplify the voices of those affected by injustice and contribute to meaningful change.

2025 YWCA Racial Justice Challenge Topics

The 2025 YWCA Racial Justice Challenge will explore several critical topics that impact racial justice:

Age of Misinformation / Disinformation

The age of misinformation deeply affects racial justice by spreading false information, biased stories, and reinforcing stereotypes that shape public opinion and policy. Understanding and combating misinformation is crucial for advancing social justice.

Interpersonal Racism

Interpersonal racism occurs in everyday interactions where racist attitudes are shown, whether intentionally or not. Recognizing and challenging these behaviors is essential for creating a more inclusive society.

American Dream

This topic examines how systemic racism impacts access to the American Dream for people of color, focusing on obstacles like economic inequality, housing discrimination, and access to education. Addressing these barriers is vital for ensuring equitable opportunities for all.

Racialization of Crime

The racialization of crime refers to how racial biases and stereotypes affect people’s perceptions of crime and shape criminal justice policies. Understanding and addressing these biases is crucial for creating a fairer justice system.

What Is Equity, and How Is It Different From Equality?

Equity is a principle that focuses on fairness and justice by recognizing and addressing the unique needs and circumstances of individuals and groups. Unlike equality, which aims to provide the same resources or opportunities to everyone, equity involves distributing resources and opportunities based on specific needs to ensure everyone has a fair chance to succeed.

Equity acknowledges that people start from different places and face different challenges. It seeks to level the playing field by providing tailored support that addresses these disparities. For example, in education, equity might involve providing additional resources to students from underfunded schools to ensure they have the same opportunities to succeed as their peers from well-resourced schools.

Another example of this would be this hypothetical – yet very real – situation. Let’s say there are two individuals with different levels of mobility impairment who need access to a building but are blocked by a stairway. One of the individuals is ambulatory with some assistance, while the other is wheelchair-bound. If we were to give both individuals a pair of crutches to assist them, we would be coming up with a solution that provides equal resources to both (equality). However, while those crutches will help the ambulatory individual, they won’t rectify the situation for the wheelchair user. In this case, an equitable solution would be to provide what each individual needs – crutches for one, and a wheelchair ramp or chair lift for the other.

Common Myths About Equity

  • Myth 1: “Equity means giving everyone the same resources.”
    • This is a misconception. Equity is about providing individuals with the resources they need to achieve equal outcomes, not just equal resources. It takes into account the varying needs and challenges faced by different groups.
  • Myth 2: “Equity is only about race.”
    • While racial equity is a crucial aspect, equity encompasses much more. It includes gender, socioeconomic status, disability, and other factors that contribute to systemic inequalities. Equity seeks to address all forms of injustice and discrimination.
  • Myth 3: “Equity undermines meritocracy.”
    • Equity actually enhances meritocracy by ensuring that everyone has a fair chance to succeed based on their abilities and efforts. It addresses biases and barriers that prevent certain groups from having equal opportunities, thus promoting a true merit-based system.

Redefining Justice Through Equity

The YWCA is at the forefront of promoting equity through various initiatives and campaigns like “Until Justice Just Is”. We also offer educational programs, community outreach, and advocacy efforts to raise awareness and drive change. By fostering an inclusive environment and providing support to those who need it most, we are working toward creating a community where everyone can thrive.

Our vision for the future is a society where equity is fully integrated into all aspects of life. A society where everyone, regardless of their background, has access to the same opportunities and resources. Disparities in education, healthcare, and employment are eliminated, and all individuals are empowered to reach their full potential. By continuing to champion equity, we can build a world where justice is not just an ideal, but a reality for all.

How to Get Involved

There are many ways to support the "Until Justice Just Is" campaign. You can:

  • Donate: Your contributions help fund vital programs and initiatives.
  • Volunteer: Offer your time and skills to support campaign activities.
  • Advocate: Use your voice to promote policy changes and raise awareness.
  • Take the Pledge: Commit to standing against injustice and spreading the word.

Additionally, keep an eye out for upcoming events and initiatives organized by the YWCA. Your participation can make a significant impact.

Donate Today

Take the Pledge

Final Thoughts

Justice should be a reality for everyone, not just an ideal. The "Until Justice Just Is" campaign is a crucial step towards achieving this goal. We encourage you to visit the campaign website, take the pledge, and join us in our efforts to create a fairer, more inclusive society. Together, we can make a difference.

Take the Pledge