Each year YWCA Kalamazoo commemorates the passing of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which gives citizens the right to vote regardless of their gender. We at the same time recognize the barriers to civic engagement faced by Black women and other women of color, the effects of which are still prevalent more than a century later.
The Women’s Equality Day Luncheon brings together over 100 people for an afternoon highlighting nationally-acclaimed speakers, community partners, and local organizations doing the work to break down racial and gender disparities and empowering people to take action in building more just and equitable communities.
Event registration includes a complimentary meal and ticket to the luncheon program featuring keynote speaker Valarie Kaur. $50
VALARIE KAUR is a civil rights leader, lawyer, award-winning filmmaker, educator, and founder of the Revolutionary Love Project. Valarie became an activist when a Sikh father and family friend was the first person murdered in hate violence in the aftermath of 9/11. Since then, Valarie has led visionary campaigns to tell untold stories and change policy on issues ranging from hate crimes to digital freedom. Her work ignited a national movement to reclaim love as a force for justice. Today, the Revolutionary Love Project is seeding networked communities of practice across the country to build the beloved community. A daughter of Punjabi Sikh farmers in California, Valarie lifts up her vision for America in her acclaimed TED Talk and #1 LA Times Bestseller See No Stranger: A Memoir and Manifesto of Revolutionary Love. In Fall 2022, Valarie was honored at the White House in the first-ever Uniters Ceremony, recognizing her as a prophetic leader whose work is healing America. We are thrilled to announce that Valarie’s new book Sage Warrior will be released this September and is now available for pre-order at sagewarrior.us
As the 2024 presidential election approaches, the need for equitable access and efficacy amongst all eligible voters is as dire as it ever has been. Many issues of social justice and equity are subject to the results determined by the electorate in November. In the face of political tumult and heightened controversy, our connection to ourselves, others, and those we perceive as our opponents is challenged by feelings of division and even rage as we look toward an uncertain future. Our featured keynote speaker, best-selling author and educator Valarie Kaur, will make the case for why we should use love as a force for justice and revolutionary change.
YWCA Kalamazoo invites businesses and organizations to participate as Sponsors for this annual community celebration. Please select the Sponsorship Opportunities button on the registration page, or email lstoner@ywcakalamazoo.org for more information.
