YWe Talk

Orange Chair Series

What is it?

YWCA Central Alabama commits, communicates, educates, and advocates every day to further our mission to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.  

The YWe Talk Orange Chair Series provides a platform of exchange to discuss important topics and issues facing women and people of color. We take a seat in the chair next to influential and motivational speakers who inform the community as we amplify voices that are often unheard.  

Through dialogue and healthy conversation, YWCA Central Alabama is able to build bridges in spaces of indifference, as well as share in the lived experiences of women and men in Central Alabama.  

The events are free and hosted from noon until 1 p.m.

Register Now »

Watch on Demand »

 

Sponsor the Series

We are excited to offer our partners an opportunity to support this series. Together we can take tangible steps as a community to bring about social and racial justice and address important issues in our community. Contact our Development team at 205-322-9922. Sponsor Orange Chair Talks »

PNC Bank Black History Month Spotlights

A special thank you to PNC Bank for sponsoring the Black History Month spotlights of our YWe Talk Orange Chair Series.

Feb. 12, 2021  |  Black Women Trailblazers

Representation matters. What better way to inspire the next generation than by highlighting prominent and successful local Black women leaders?
 
Ensuring access to education, generational wealth building, and mentorship are key to continuing the success and well-being of the African American community, especially for the next generation of young Black girls. Because women of color experience unique challenges, this week’s discussion focuses on ways to pass the baton forward at the intersections of race and gender.
 

Key discussion points:

  • Bring your whole self to work: Overcoming stigmas and stereotypes
  • What "Black women in leadership" looks like
  • Allyship in corporate and community spaces
  • Acknowledge and combat specific challenges facing women of color

Speakers

  • Moderator, Andrea McCaskey, Director of Programs, Momentum
  • Myla E. Calhoun, VP Birmingham Division, Alabama Power
  • Shonae’ Eddins-Bennett, Birmingham Parks and Recreation Director
  • Bobbie Knight, President, Miles College

FREE, 12-1 p.m. (CST)
Registration is Required for this Virtual Discussion (Zoom) »

 

Feb. 19, 2021  |  Economic Empowerment for All

Strategies & Tips to Homeownership, Saving, and Other Tools to Gain Financial Freedom

Economic empowerment greatly improves the quality of life. Economic Empowerment for All: Strategies & Tips to Homeownership, Saving, and Other Tools to Gain Financial Freedom addresses financial disparities facing the Black community. Get helpful information to positively shift financial gaps caused by racial oppression and discrimination.

Some white families historically have enjoyed the benefits of government support and tax policies to buy homes, start businesses, grow wealth, and prepare for retirement at a time when Blacks and others were largely excluded. By acknowledging historical trends and practices that suppressed economic empowerment among African Americans, we shift the conversation to how we can provide more access and information to marginalized communities. Learn how to move the community forward through economic empowerment!

Key discussion points:

  • Address racial disparities in lending (What is being done to close the gap?

  • Financial security for all: Saving & investing at every socio-economic level
  • Affordable housing
  • Maintain financial freedom during hardships

FREE, 12-1 p.m. (CST)
Registration is Required for this Virtual Discussion (Zoom) »

 

Feb. 26, 2021  |  Corporate Social Responsibility

Accountability Where it Matters

Eliminating racism and promoting peace, dignity, freedom, and justice for all requires that everyone and every organization play their part. When organizations are corporately and socially responsible, communities are stronger. In fact, corporate citizenship impacts the trajectory companies may have on all aspects of society, including economic, social, and environmental. Join us as we engage in a dialogue to challenge other local and statewide businesses to make a concerted effort to be changemakers here in the city of Birmingham.

Key discussion points:

  • Accountability (Are the action of companies aligning with their mission statement?)
  • Partnerships and collaborations
  • Public policy agenda
  • Short-term and long-term goals

FREE, 12-1 p.m. (CST)
Registration is Required for this Virtual Discussion (Zoom) »

Other Upcoming Talks

March 2021  |  Women's History Month

April 2021  |  National Stand Against Racism

October 2021  |  Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Look here for mission-related topics that we'll post soon. Topics are subject to change.

 Previous Talks

Hope & Healing: 2021 Activism with Jamira Burley

(Launch of the YWe Talk Orange Chair Series)  

YWCA Central Alabama's first YWe Talk Orange Chair Series launched with the YW's CEO Dr. LaRhonda Magras engaging in conversation with Jamira Burley, activist and millennial youth whisperer. The virtual discussion examined the impact of eventful 2020, looked ahead at 2021 and delved into how acting locally can effect change nationally.  Watch on Demand »