YWCA hosts 30th Annual Day of Commitment to Eliminate Racism

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- The YWCA hosted its 30th Annual Day of Commitment to Eliminate Racism breakfast Thursday morning.

The Day of Commitment serves as a reminder to make a stand against racism in the community.

Daniele Brown, YWCA Chief Executive Officer, said it’s important to continue the Day of Commitment to Eliminate Racism, even 30 years later.

"Sometimes when we start not consciously thinking about something that is such a big movement, such a big important piece of our community as a whole," she said. "It loses effectiveness, it loses its status and if we don't keep doing this, how much are we letting slide. By doing this, we continue to place importance on committing to eliminating racism."

Brown talks about how over the years St. Joseph has become a diverse community.

"We’re continuing to become more diverse throughout the years. We just need to continue to do this so that we don’t come to the point where we have forgotten all about it, and then all of a sudden there is a bigger problem," she said.

Eliminating racism starts with examining our own actions and beliefs.

Think about your own thoughts, and your own verbiage that you use when you talk to people or about people," Brown said. "First reflection is the first step for anyone. If you can truly look inside yourself and see your own bias, see your own viewpoints on the community as a whole, that is the first step we have to start with ourselves."

Council member and Deputy Mayor Gary Wilkinson was this year's recipient for the Kelsy Beshears Racial Justice award.

Wilkinson has worked to preserve the history of racial injustice while creating opportunities for a more equitable future. He has served as president of the St. Joseph NAACP chapter and president of the Black Archives Museum of St. Joseph.

Wilkinson couldn't make it to accept his award. He recorded a video thanking the YWCA for the honor and discussing Kelsy Beshears and her work in the St. Joseph community.

In the video, Wilkinson said receiving the award was a special honor because he had the privilege of knowing Beshears and witnessing her work in the community.

"While small in stature, Mrs. B was not one to tolerate injustice, and wherever form it existed," Wilkinson said. She had no problem calling it out with her distinctive West Virginia twang."

Wilkinson said Beshears’ courage was what impressed him most.

"She was not afraid to speak out when things needed to be said. When she fought to get those rights for just one segment for society, the whole society benefited from that," he said.

Wilkinson is grateful for the award, but he wanted to dedicate it to the person who has always inspired him.

"Really it’s not about me, Mrs. B this one for you," he said. 

Wilkinson son accepted the award on his behalf.

Brown said recognizing local leaders who work for racial justice is important because their contributions should be recognized and remembered.

"Who continues to forged the path. The path Mrs. Beshears forged and we can continue to do that," she said. "Finding those individuals here and lifting them up really helps continue that path in our community."

The Kelsy Beshears Scholarship was awarded to Missouri Western State University student Amy Loy, who is studying to become a social worker. She is expected to graduate in 2028.

The breakfast ended with everyone reading the pledge to eliminate racism in their life.