CHARLESTON, W.Va.–Two leaders of West Virginia racial equality groups say the state has come a long way with racial equality, but there is still work to be done.
Carolyn Stuart, the executive director of the Herbert Henderson Office of Minority Affairs says people are at least more aware today.
“I think people understand that racism still exists in the 21st century,” Stuart said. “More importantly people believe that it is time to take a stand.”
Lori Jones, the executive director of YWCA Wheeling agreed, adding social discrimination as something that could improve.
“We have come a long way; however, social and cultural racism still exists. And if we want to change the next generation, we need to start now,” she said.
Jones and Stuart both attended a rally last Friday at the State Capitol sponsored by the YWCA to take a stand against racism. It was “Stand Against Racism Day” in the state of West Virginia as declared by Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin.
Jones described the rally as a “coming together of youth leaders” to acknowledge that racism still exists, and that a stand needs to be taken to stop it.