In the Midst of Adversity

To all of my dearest sisters,

As political turmoil and unrest sweep the stage of our media and threaten to tear apart our country, it serves as a time for us to reaffirm our values and stand together in our beliefs. We are an organization built on the unyielding belief of unity among all women, regardless of race, religion, or creed. We stand firm in the American ideals of equality and the free exchange of ideas. We do not accept hatred, bigotry, and intolerance.

Some of our sisters are hurting. Some are sickened by what they see on the news and see on the streets. I write in solidarity for those women. Women who are deeply disturbed by the white supremacist and neo-Nazi groups that have risen up and marched in cities across the country, claiming to be worth more than their melaninated counterparts. Women who advocate for the rights of immigrants who are seeing their rights be taken away. Women who are tired of feeling the burn of injustice.

We are a country of immigrants. Frankly, to deny that is to deny our roots and to shun our ancestors. As a country, we have spent decades fighting for freedom, for equity, and for respect. Yet much of what has plagued the news lately seems to ignore these values. Values that so many have fought, shed blood, and died for.

I want to remind all of you BLUEtiful ladies that we stand together. We support each other. We have strong bonds that unite us, despite our many differences.

As we continue to prepare and bring new sisters into the baby blue and white light, I want us to continue to show them the grace and respect that we strive to show each other. It is imperative that we are open minded and supportive amidst adversity. It is a tragedy that innocent people are being affected by unjust words and policies. Our sisterhood should be a place where sisters can come to heal from the wounds and hurtful words that are so consistently thrown about in the news, in public, and in our neighborhoods.

Violence and rage is a deplorable means of advocacy that simply fosters feeling of fear and distrust. I hope we can all stand firm together in peace and promote respect for all.

MUch love,

Djenne (Yemaya Fall ‘15)