CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Leaders of two West Virginia racial equality groups agree the state has come a long way but there remains work to be done.
Carolyn Stuart, the executive director of the Herbert Henderson Office of Minority Affairs, said people are more aware of the effects of racism today and willing to confront it.
“I think people understand that racism still exists in the 21st century,” Stuart said. “More importantly people believe that it is time to take a stand.”
Lori Jones, the executive director of YWCA Wheeling, said forms of social discrimination must be addressed.
“We have come a long way; however, social and cultural racism still exists. And if we want to change the next generation, we need to start now,” she said.
Jones and Stuart attended a rally Friday at the State Capitol sponsored by the YWCA. It was “Stand Against Racism Day” in the state of West Virginia as declared by Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin.
Jones described the rally as a “coming together of youth leaders” to acknowledge that measures need to be taken to stop racism.