LEWISTON — The YWCA Central Maine will host its fifth annual Stand Against Racism from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 1.

Stand Against Racism is a signature event of the YWCA developed as an opportunity for communities across the nation to take a visible position against racism and to offer education and direct action around issues of racial justice.

This year’s featured keynote speaker is Shay Stewart-Bouley, executive director of Community Change Inc., a Boston-based organization that has been educating and organizing for racial justice since 1968.

Stewart-Bouley is a Chicago native who moved to Maine in 2002. In addition to her work at Community Change Inc., Stewart-Bouley is a writer and has contributed to the Portland Press Herald and the Journal Tribune, and held a regular column in the Portland Phoenix, entitled “Diverse-City.” Since moving to Maine, Stewart-Bouley has written extensively about race relations, social justice, white supremacy and her experiences as a black woman in a predominantly white state. Currently, Stewart-Bouley is the author of the award-winning blog, “Black Girl in Maine.”

Following the keynote address, students from the Lewiston High School 21st Century Program will lead a panel discussion with Stewart-Bouley. Stand Against Racism will also offer workshops with local organizations and activists, including the Southern Maine Workers’ Center, the Neighborhood Housing League and the Lewiston High School Civil Rights Team. 

The YWCA will present a kick-off event before Stand Against Racism at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 28, at the YWCA. The event includes a screening of “Mountains That Take Wing,” a documentary on activists Angela Davis and Yuri Kochiyama. The film will be followed by a discussion facilitated by Nicola Chin, founder of Up With Community, and Bates College professor Christopher Petrella.

FMI: 207-795-4050, nbornstein@ywcamaine.org, www.YWCAMaine.org., nbornstein@ywcamaine.org.