CHARLESTON, W.Va. — More than 70 people, including multiple public figures, have gone or will go “over the edge” this weekend in an effort to help a Charleston organization’s efforts regarding racism.
YWCA Charleston’s “Over the Edge” event began Friday; people rappelled down the 18-story BB&T Square Tower in downtown Charleston to raise awareness for the organization’s Campaign to End Racism.
U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., and her husband Charles, Charleston Mayor Amy Goodwin, West Virginia State University President Anthony Jenkins and MetroNews “Morning News” anchor Shauna Johnson participated Friday afternoon.
Kitty Dooley, the co-chair of the Racial Justice Endowment campaign, also went down the tower.
“It was outstanding!” Dooley said of her downward climb. “A perfect view from the top.”
This is the first time YWCA Charleston has done an event like “Over the Edge.”
“The community can come together no matter where you are,” Dooley added.
YWCA Charleston’s Campaign to End Racism kicked off in February; the organization is aiming to raise $1 million for programs such as privilege training, community discussions and book clubs.
Dooley said YWCA Charleston is 60% toward reaching its goal, with a deadline of 2022.
“You see issues where there is less than complete equity in our society for people of color,” she said. “If you look at those instances where that has occurred and think about those people as you would your family members and really determine whether you believe they are being treated as we all should be treated as Americans, then you stop and say, ‘What can I do to bring racial justice to the area where I am?'”
“Over the Edge” continues Saturday with more rappelers as well as a concert in Davis Park. Saturday’s activities begin at 9 a.m.