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Interviews with news makers and discussion of topics important to Southwest Michigan. Subscribe to the podcast through Apple itunes and Google. Segments of interview are heard in WestSouthwest Brief during Morning Edition and All Things Considered

WSW: Standing Against Racism In Kalamazoo

Kalamazoo residents Erum and Seema Shah rallying for immigrant and Muslim rights at Bronson Park - file photo
Rebecca Thiele, WMUK

The Director of Training and Community Impact for the YWCA of Kalamazoo, Sherry Brockoway, says the conversation about race is alive and well in Kalamazoo, and it’s important to keep it going.

The Stand against Racism will run for 24 hours beginning at noon Friday. At 5:00 Friday organizers hope for a four block line of people holding hands to demonstrate unity.

YWCA Community Education Specialist Demetrias Wolverton says the climate of the country and Southwest Michigan has changed. He says that racial bias has been dealt with in a passive way in recent years. Wolverton says now people are moving outside of their comfort zones.

YWCA042517-web.mp3
Interview with Sherry Brockoway and Demetrias Wolverton - web version

The YWCA of Kalamazoo recently launched a hotline to report hate crimes. Wolverton says that ties in with the Stand Against Racism. Brockoway says everyone attending the event will be asked to sign a pledge to eliminate racism.

Gordon Evans became WMUK's Content Director in 2019 after more than 20 years as an anchor, host and reporter. A 1990 graduate of Michigan State, he began work at WMUK in 1996.
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