05/31/2020
The National Board of Kappa Phi Gamma Sorority, Inc. would like to express our heartbreak over the recent events regarding the deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, Tony McDade, and countless others. Injustices like these have impacted the Black community for years - we must recognize and understand the pain of Black Americans that has been carried over centuries. As an organization that stands against discrimination on the basis of color and race, we stand with Black Lives Matter and in solidarity against anti-Black racism.
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, it is easy for people to wish for life to get back to "normal." However, it is not "normal" for millions of Black Americans to be treated differently when it comes to police enforcement, the justice system, and healthcare based on race. We should not settle for what we believed to be "normal," when we can strive to do better and be better for our Black brothers and sisters.
Our Sorority's purpose states, "we shall render service to the community and the university, thus supporting the betterment and unification of society." We implore all members of our community to become socially aware, speak up, and to take action against racism and injustice to create a safer society for our Black neighbors.
We encourage our Sorors, the Greek community, family, and friends to actively and continuously take actions against bigotry, hate, and racism, especially anti-Black racism.
Empower Black communities. Vocalize their stories, both of successes and struggles.
Educate yourselves. Read books/articles and watch documentaries on racial inequality, social justice, and anti-Black racism.
Guide others by starting discussions with family, friends, and those who surround you.
Examine from within. Recognize your biases and learn to use your privilege to combat injustices on your campus and in your community.
Unlearn racist behavior. Refrain from micro-aggressions, cultural appropriation, stereotyping, and derogatory language such as saying the N-word.
We're providing resources that may be useful during this time - to help educate yourselves and share with others to help them understand:
NAPA Asian American Solidarity Against Anti-Black Racism
An Open Letter To Our Parents About BLM
The Problem With Saying "All Lives Matter
75 Things White People Can Do for Racial Justice: not limited to white people
Black and Asian Solidarity in NYC: What We Have Learned
20+ Allyship Actions For Asians To Show Up For the Black Community
What You Can Do To Demand Justice For George Floyd and Support Protestors
Anti-Racism Resources including resources for parents raising children, articles to read, videos/films/TV series to watch, podcasts to subscribe to, books to read, and organizations to follow on social media.
Anti-Racist Allyship Starterpack (credit: tatumdorrel on instagram)
We also recognize the importance of mental health during this time. You are justified in your emotions of anger and grief. Please take time for yourselves, check in on each other, and reach out for help if you need it.
Self Care For People of Color After Psychological Trauma
The National Board is proud of our Sisters nationwide taking a stance and speaking against anti-Black racism. Whatever stance you take, we hope you take the time to educate yourselves on the topics, and these conversations continue in a healthy and productive manner. Our hearts go out to the families of those who have been victims to injustice, and our thoughts are with all those courageous people who are currently protesting for justice. Please be safe and care for one another.
