Join the YWCA for the 29th Annual YWCA Phyllis Wheatley Diversity Day and Race Against
Racism on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at the Phyllis Wheatley Center! This event is more than just a celebration; it’s a powerful movement toward unity and inclusivity, bringing together people from all walks of life to honor diversity and foster meaningful conversations about inclusivity.
Event Schedule:
The day kicks off with the Race Against Racism:
- 5K Run: 9:00 a.m.
- 1-Mile Walk: 9:15 a.m.
- Kids Fun Run: 9:30 a.m.
Following the races, enjoy Diversity Day activities from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., featuring community booths, cultural
performances, and an inspiring keynote speaker.
Keynote Speaker:
We are honored to welcome Delphia L. Howze, a nationally recognized Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) expert and author
of Including You! Leading Inclusion From Where You Are. Delphia brings over 20 years of experience in Human Resources
and D&I, equipping organizations with strategies to build inclusive environments.
Event Highlights: - Community Resource Booths: Engage with local nonprofits such as Second Harvest, Positively Living, Metro Drug
Coalition, Helping Mamas, Mental Health Association of East Tennessee, Planned Parenthood, Knoxville PARC,
Turn Up Knox, Two Bikes, Kim Health Center, and Centro Hispano. - Special Performances: Enjoy dynamic cultural presentations by Drums Up Guns Down and the Appalachian
Equality Chorus, celebrating unity through music and movement. - Breakfast Treats & Entertainment: Arrive early for refreshments and pre-race activities to energize your
morning. Breakfast is provided by Real Good Kitchen
Registration Details - Registration is open now for the 5K, 1-Mile Walk, and Kids Fun Run:
https://runsignup.com/Race/TN/Knoxville/YWCAKnoxvilleRaceAgainstRacism - Online registration closes at 8:30 a.m. on race day, with in-person registration available until 8:45 a.m.
- All participants receive a long-sleeve, 50/50 blend event shirt with their registration.
Rain, snow, or shine, Diversity Day and the Race Against Racism will proceed! Proceeds from the event benefit YWCA
Knoxville & the Tennessee Valley, supporting essential programs at the Phyllis Wheatley Center that empower students
to overcome obstacles and achieve success.
When: Saturday, January 18, 2025
Where: YWCA Phyllis Wheatley Center, 124 S. Cruze Street, Knoxville, TN
For more information and to register, visit www.ywcaknox.com or contact Director of Communications and Events,
Lorena Meza Hubbard at 865.523.6126 or [email protected]
Together, let’s stand strong against racism, celebrate diversity, and build a more inclusive society.
About YWCA Knoxville
Since 1899, YWCA Knoxville and the Tennessee Valley has been a leading force in community change. With a mission to
eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all, YWCA offers transitional
housing and supportive services to women who would otherwise be homeless; advocacy, outreach, support groups,
counseling and prevention services for victims of domestic violence; youth and family development services; and afterschool programming.
Today, YWCA serves more than 11,300 women, children and families through a variety of high-quality programs at three
sites in downtown Knoxville, East Knoxville and Oak Ridge; and provides services across a six-county service area (Knox,
Anderson, Roane, Loudon, Blount and Sevier). Annual events that help to grow, expand and sustain the YWCA’s mission
include the Tribute to Women in September, Diversity Day/Race Against Racism in January, Stand Against Racism in
April, and Keys of Hope Luncheon in May.
