Darien resident Denise El-Tayyeb teaches her children that if they remain silent about racism, that means they consent. As part of the YWCA's national Stand Against Racism, El-Tayyeb was among those who took part in the townwide initiative to raise awareness about racism and put an end to intolerance.
"To challenge racism takes effort and tenacious resistance," El-Tayyeb said. Among those who stood up to speak were First Selectmen Dave Campbell, state Sen. Bob Duff, state Rep. Terrie Wood and Nancy Coughlin of the YWCA Darien/Norwalk.
"Racism today is much more subtle than it used to be," said Duff, D-Norwalk. "We have to stand up and tell people that it won't be tolerated in order to form a more perfect union."
Wood, R-Darien and Norwalk, discussed former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice's memoirs and her fight against racism, and the importance of looking past a person's race to their individual character. "We have to learn to put aside our differences and work together to find solutions to problems."
Sophie Hughes of Liberation Programs discussed how she had an enormously tough time adjusting to our customs when she first came to this country from England. "I can't even image what it's like for somebody to come to this wonderful, overwhelming country who doesn't speak the language or understand the customs."
The event also featured the Serendipity Chorale singing songs such as "God Bless America" and "We Shall Overcome" to promote a spirit of togetherness and tolerance.
All across town, people tied orange ribbons around their mailboxes and signposts to show unity in the fight against racism. Students at Middlesex Middle School signed a pledge against racism and discussed intolerance. The Depot also hosted improvisational theater performances to show the importance of tolerance and equality.
Did you take part in the Stand Against Racism? Tell us what you did in the comments below, on Facebook and on Twitter.
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