Beta Omega Antiracism Statement
The Beta Omega chapter of Kappa Alpha Theta supports the Black Lives Matter movement and all those protesting for racial justice in the United States. As members of an organization that has historically perpetuated systems of oppression, we commit ourselves to antiracism learning and engaging in necessary conversations regarding white privilege in our communities. In order to fully become "Leading Women," we cannot stand idly by while our Black sisters, friends, and peers face deep-seated racist structures that we are all responsible for.
We will keep saying their names: George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Eric Garner, Michael Brown, Dante Parker, and too many more.
We know that words alone are not enough. The following are education resources, petitions to sign, and places to donate. We will not be silent.
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Something to listen to: Code Switch (NPR), 1619 (NYT)
Something to read: How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi
For More: bit.ly/ANTIRACISMRESOURCES
Petitions to sign: National Action Against Police Brutality (change.org), Hands Up Act (change.org)
Places to Donate: Black Lives Matter Global Network, American Civil Liberties Union, National Bail Out
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We understand that Black Lives Matter is not just a social media trend. Concrete actions must be taken and we must consistently evaluate our positionality and beliefs.
We may feel uncomfortable, fatigued, and guilty. We have made mistakes in the past, but promise to hold ourselves more accountable & implement antiracism inititatives within our chapter. We must do better. The values of Kappa Alpha Theta do not stand for racism nor exclusion within our sisterhood.
To that end, three of our amazing sisters: CEO Perry Lum, CAO Michelle Wolford, and Ally Bourelly, drafted an open letter to Theta nationals last week. Since then, their letter has garnered over 800 signatures from Thetas all over the country. Click the following link to read this letter and the 8 specific initiatives they proposed.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1erezDwXS3OOHUxmsdA3nmmV95mGyOTW5gmP_EwvBGb0/edit?usp=sharing