United Way of York County and United Way Worldwide define equity as the intentional inclusion of everyone in society. Equity is achieved when systemic, institutional, and historical barriers based on race, gender, sexual orientation, and other identities are dismantled and no longer predict socioeconomic, education, and health outcomes.
United Ways work to accomplish this by engaging community residents, partners, the business community, local government, and other key constituencies to ensure that all community members have access to a high-quality education, access to jobs with good wages, and the ability to live a healthy life.
We recognize structural racism and other forms of oppression have contributed to persistent disparities that United Way seeks to dismantle. Our United Way network strives to engage community members, especially those whose voices have traditionally been marginalized. We work with residents and public and private partners to co-create solutions that ensure everyone has the resources, support, opportunities, and networks they need to thrive. We commit to leveraging all of our assets (convening, strategic investments, awareness building, advocacy) to create more equitable communities.
United Way recognizes that improving everyone’s lives in the communities we serve means we must explicitly focus on removing these barriers for those most harmed by them. This includes addressing systems, policies, practices, belief systems, and attitudes that have often served to privilege some and disenfranchise others. It is only through an intentional focus on removing these barriers that we can aspire to create the conditions that allow everyone the opportunity to thrive.
Understanding the importance of equity within our society, we are excited to support Race Equality Month in Rock Hill. Hosted by the City of Rock Hill Community Relations Council, Race Equality Month will take place in September in Rock Hill.
Race Equality Month is a series of events that promote racial diversity and equality in Rock Hill. As a community, we find it essential that we embrace our diversity, but also talk about some of the struggles we have had in our community and our society.
As a result of COVID-19, Race Equality Month will be hosting socially distanced events this year. The lineup includes:
Social Media Takeover Tuesday
Join the City of Rock Hill Community Relations Council on Social Media for a “Social Media Takeover” that amplifies diverse voices every Tuesday evening in September.
Thursday, September 10
Join a Virtual Community Conversation on Racism, Education, and COVID-19 via Zoom.
Friday, September 18
Visit Clinton College for a Drive-In Screening of Emanuel.
Saturday, September 26
Be sure to stop by downtown Rock Hill for a big reveal of the “Rock Hill For All” mural design.
All event details will soon be available on the City of Rock Hill website, so please be sure to visit www.cityofrockhill.com for updates on all Race Equality Month events.
United Way of York County fights for greater opportunity for all and supports equality and freedom among our diverse community. Achieving that goal requires everyone to act. So, no matter your race, get involved. Engage in critical dialogues, fight for reform, and hold people accountable. We believe that community challenges are sustainably solved when all groups come together.
