YWCA Kaua'i wishes to extend a sincere mahalo to everyone who attended our annual Stand Against Racism event last week and to the panel of brilliant women who did an excellent job discussing racism as a public health crisis. Racism impacts all aspects of health: physical, emotional and mental health. These issues are complex and can be challenging to discuss, but these conversations need to continue to bring about lasting change and eliminate racism. This week was a whirlwind of news and events, from the conviction of Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd to the daily news of additional Black lives impacted by police violence, it is clear there is so much more work to do.The conviction of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin is a hopeful indication that the police brutality and violence that has plagued our nation will no longer stand, and the blatant disregard of Black lives and people of color will no longer be tolerated. This is what accountability looks like.This verdict offers a moment of respite and hope, yet we know that much more needs to be done to ensure that no more lives are lost as tragically, senselessly, and unjustly as George Floyd. We have been and continue to be challenged by the daily trauma of excessive police force, racial violence, and brutality in our communities. Our hearts and prayers remain with the family of George Floyd and with the families of those recently killed as they continue to grieve their loss, and to all those who have suffered the loss of their loved ones as a result of police violence.
