YWCA SEMA’s Response to the Siege at the US Capitol

The scene that unfolded last week in our nation’s capital was a disgrace to our democracy and a bleak day for our nation. History will justifiably record the violent efforts to halt the confirmation of a fair democratic election decided by the American people as an insurrection and attempted coup. We at YWCA Southeastern MA condemn in the strongest possible terms the violence caused by the insurgents and extremists at the United States Capitol.

While the news and photos of last week’s insurrection will haunt us, let us remember that the day began with the historic election of the Reverend Raphael Warnock as the first Black Senator from the state of Georgia, and ended with the confirmed election of Jon Ossoff as the first Jewish and only Millennial Senator from the state of Georgia. Senators Warnock and Ossoff will join the most diverse Congress in our nation’s history, which includes 144 women, 52 of whom are women of color, as well as members of the LGBTQ+ community and other historically marginalized communities.

At this pivotal moment, YWCA calls on all in our nation to ensure the peaceful transition of power, and to hold those accountable for the violent siege at the Capitol. We stand with the American people, especially people of color, who have endured unrelenting efforts to divide, derail, dishonor our most basic human and civil rights, and to discredit and silence women and people of color who demand a world of equity and human decency. Ensuring that women, communities of color, and all those who are marginalized are represented and that their voices are amplified and heard, is at the core of our mission to eliminate racism and empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.

At YWCA Southeastern MA, we recognize that all of us have a shared responsibility to confront white supremacy and hate in all its forms. As a country, we have allowed racism, sexism, antisemitism, xenophobia, and wealth inequality to fester for too long. We encourage everyone to continue to join us as we work tirelessly to building a more equitable future, demanding accountability and justice, and combatting injustices across economic, political, and daily life that pose as barriers for so many. We cannot wait any longer. Together, let’s continue to do the work, until justice just is.

Join us this Friday, January 15th, at 11:00 am for an Until Justice Just Is Community Conversation: Reflecting on the Siege at the US Capitol. Please register today!