What does it mean to be stamped?
Guests at the YWCA of Asheville & WNC’s inaugural Joy & Justice Book Club, held on November 4th, spent the lunch hour reflecting on this question. Using themes and quotes from Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You, we created a space full of storytelling and affirmation.
The room was filled with the sounds of R&B oldies. A delicious lunch was provided by our very own in-house Nutrition Team. The low murmur of over 30 guests accentuated everyone’s excitement. Whether they’d read the book or not, guests were invited to bring their curiosity and their voice to the table. And so began our conversation.
Opening the program were Niconda Garcia, CEO & Founder of Change the Rubric, and Sistas Caring 4 Sistas, who shared information about their organizations and the services they provide. Joining us as panelists were Aisha Adams, YWCA of Asheville’s Interim CEO, and Rev. Sean Hasker Palmer, Executive Director of the YMI Cultural Center. I served as the facilitator of the discussion.
Through panelist- and moderator-led storytelling, attendees learned about what it means to be Stamped by the legacy of racial injustice and systemic racism that Black and Brown folks deal with daily. They were invited to bear witness to the real, human impacts of committing to racial equity in the face of heavy and persistent pressure to do the opposite. They heard what it feels like to be tossed out by the very institutions and systems we have given our whole selves to in an effort to make tangible and transformative change.
At the YWCA of Asheville & WNC, we believe in joy and justice for all. What makes this book club sacred is the coming together of diverse perspectives, stories, and lived experiences. When these voices meet in one room, we create space not only for understanding, but for deeper human connection and transformation. Each voice reminds us that meaningful change begins when we listen, learn, and recognize our responsibility to humanity. Justice requires us to confront difficult truths, but joy reminds us of what we are working toward: a beloved community where everyone belongs and has the opportunity to thrive.
— Aisha Adams, Interim CEO, YWCA of Asheville & WNC
Then they were asked: How have you been stamped? What will you do to become a champion for racial justice? What does it mean to be antiracist in 2026, a day after a riveting midterm election? How will you show up and serve the mission of eliminating racism?
After an invigorating closing message from Whisper Moore, the YWCA’s Donor Relations and Events Manager, the room was teeming with energy. Community members crowded together to speak with our panelists. Several folks expressed their gratitude for our vulnerability and courage to share our stories, saying that it was “so deep and personal.” Many also shared their desire to return for the next book club conversation. When asked for additional feedback, one attendee said, “I will likely recruit friends for future book club events.”
That is how community is made and trust is built — by sharing stories, passing along ways of resisting and resting, and keeping joy alive in the fight for justice. That is the whole purpose of this series: to open the door to meaningful conversations about how racism affects all of us and how we can participate in antiracism ourselves.
Join us at the table. The conversation doesn’t end here. Whether you were in the room on November 4 or are just hearing about Joy & Justice now, we’d love for you to be part of what comes next. Sign up for the Joy & Justice newsletter to hear about upcoming book club gatherings and ways to take action for racial justice in Asheville.
Megan Pugh (she/her)
Racial Justice Director, YWCA of Asheville & WNC
