YWCA hosts annual Eliminate Racism Breakfast

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) - On Friday morning, the YWCA hosted its 29th annual day of Commitment to Eliminate Racism Breakfast.

The day of commitment is a time to make a stand against racism of all kinds in the community.

Danielle Brown, YWCA chief executive officer, said the event is a chance for the community to stand together without any labels or titles.

“So whether it be race or gender biases that divide us in so many different circles that were in, we're able to come together today without all of those labels and all of those titles and really try to stand together and to take that back out into our community,” Brown said.

The event featured different speakers, a music performance and two awards being presented to members in the community.

The 2025 Kelsy Beshears Racial Justice Award was won by LaTonya Williams.

Williams said she felt amazed and grateful when she found out that she won the award.

“A lot of times we do things in the community and I wonder if people are looking, if they're noticing, or if they're even appreciative of your work. And when I got the call, I was just really, really thankful," she said.

There was a scholarship awarded to a MoWest student at the event. The 2025 Kelsy Beshears Scholarship was awarded to Jessica Laws.

The event ended with everyone reading the pledge to climate racism. This pledge was granted to use from Birmingham, AL.

Brown said her favorite part of the event is reading the pledge with the entire community.

“But the unity that comes from the pledge to eliminate racism when we all stand and say that together, it is very powerful and it's something that, you know, I almost envision think just moving out into the community as we're standing here taking it together," Brown said.