Early one muggy Saturday morning, 93 people gathered to race through the rain against a pitfall that stifles every community in the nation: racism. The YWCA of Ames/ISU called to residents concerned with the state of cultural relations and the response was exemplary. Not only did participants show up at 8:30 a.m. in spite of the gloomy, wet weather, they also brought with them great enthusiasm. The “Race Against Racism Toward One Community” was successful because of the pioneering spirits of people who see the value in educating our community about its shortcomings and racing for a resolution.

We would like to thank our sponsors for providing the avenue for us to put on the planned multicultural day camp: League of Women Voters of Ames, The Ames Tribune, Wal-Mart, 1430 KASI, Mary Greeley Medical Center, Catalyst Counseling, NAACP, Greater Iowa Credit Union, Worldly Goods, Re/Max, Friedrich Iowa Realty, Margaret Sloss Women’s Center, K-Mart, ISU Department of Public Safety, Cub Foods, Hy-Vee and Fareway. Individuals and organizations we extend our gratitude to are Dr. Edward Nassif, Thyannda Mack, Julie Wooden, Rebecca Fritzsche, Dhuha Akili and Omar Smadi; Angela Groh and GSB Senators; Delta Sima Theta Inc. Ames Alumnae Chapter, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.; Gospel Soul Innovators; Asian Pacific American Awareness Coalition; Time for Peace and Beyond Welfare. All these groups have our deepest thanks for their wonderful volunteers.

The race wouldn’t have been successful if it weren’t for the community members who were insightful enough to admit there is a problem and seek to dissolve it rather than ignore it. We ran to raise money to teach children how to recognize wrongful treatment based on ethnicity and how to not tolerate that treatment. Thanks to those mentioned above and all participants for sharing our vision.

Alicia McGhee

Senior

Journalism & mass communications