Anti-Racism Rally Educates and Unifies

This year's title for the Stand Against Racism event was "Standing our Ground Against Racism." The name is a nod to the controversial self-defense law that is at the center of the Trayvon Martin and George Zimmerman case in Sanford. 

"Events like Stand Against Racism, where we're bringing an awareness that racism still exists, are strategically aligned with what our mission is really all about," explained Lenice Emanuel, CEO of the YWCA of Tampa Bay.

The YWCA is a nationwide organization that aims to eliminate racism and empower women. Tampa Bay's chapter has been hosting the Stand Against Racism rally for four years.

Emanuel said he has a personal connection to the organization. She said that being both African-American and female makes her feel that, "the YWCA's mission was created for someone like me.

"As a minority, I've experienced racism in my life," said Emanuel. "It brings me a lot of comfort knowing that we are letting people know that we don't live in a post-racial world."

The event was held at the Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum in St. Petersburg. It was an evening of dialogues, workshops and guest speakers.

At one point, a profile activity was conducted. After donning wardrobes intended to trigger stereotypical judgments, the volunteers revealed their true identities. A tattoo covered cowboy talked about his brushes with discrimination as an artist who expresses himself through ink.

The other volunteer wore a hoodie concealing his real being. After shedding the hooded sweatshirt, Michael Dixon-Peabody peered over the podium at the crowd.

Dixon-Peabody told his story to the audience, sharing tidbits about his current role as a model scholar (he's a senior at Gibbs High School) and the fact that he is gay. Dixon-Peabody said that he has a strong commitment to the YWCA because he too has dealt with judgment from the world around him.

"Discrimination is discrimination at the end of the day," Dixon-Peabody said.

Mayor Bill Foster and council members Jim Kennedy, Wengay Newton and Steve Kornell were all on hand to lend their support.

"We're already on our way to seeing a systemic change," Emanuel said with a smile. "Twenty years from now, I really would like for us to have a seamless community and the potential is here."