FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
There are no words to justify the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and countless other victims of police brutality. The hatred against black people stems from over hundreds of years of institutionalized racism, and a consistent devaluing of black lives. Delta Phi Omega Sorority, Incorporated stands in solidarity with our black members, friends, and loved ones in fighting against the racial injustice and inequality. We must empathize, listen, and help support them in any way we can. Being an ally can come in many forms, and speaking out in support of them publicly is just one way to do this.
Racism is still prevalent today and now, more than ever, is the time for each and every one of us to stand together and fight against it. This revolution is not just about corrupt police officers, this is a fight about basic human rights and a system that is fundamentally biased against black citizens, and it is our civic duty to stand up and support the black community.
With our mission statement, we state that our purpose is to “foster unity among South Asian women, build community awareness, and gain a greater understanding of oneself and others.” Advocating for the black community and their right to be heard and their grievances address is very much within our organization’s mission – we want to build community awareness of these issues of racism and police brutality that have been present for years, and we want to foster unity not just within our community, but with all communities. Our membership is not just limited to South Asians, and therefore we are not limited to just supporting our South Asian communities. We are open to anyone: “no limitations will be enacted facing gender, color, creed, nationality, or affiliation.”
As a culturally driven organization, we implore all members within Delta Phi Omega Sorority Incorporated, families, friends to stand with the black community to change a system that is broken. Here are some ways that you can get involved:
- Register to vote. Vote for people of color who can best represent your minority communities. Exercise your right to vote at a local and national level.
- Participate in protests where you feel safe, sign petitions, attend state/town meetings and ask your leaders for change within your city.
- Donate to local and national reputable organizations that support the cause.
- Educate yourself and others on our nation’s turbulent history of racial injustice.
- Support black owned businesses, artists, friends and individuala.s
- Hold others accountable if you hear controversial stances on race, no matter how ‘difficult’ or ‘uncomfortable’ the conversation may be. Take advantage of the opportunities where you can engage in productive conversations with others who may carry different opinions.
- Listen AND hear those who have been affected by racial inequality. Share resources.
Above all, be kind. For your black friends, this is a traumatic time for them, and approaching them about these issues when they might be trying to take care of themselves will only increase their trauma. Ask for input while also being aware of boundaries. Helping the cause is important, but so is taking care of one’s mental health. In being advocates, you should also take care of yourselves as well.
Our goal is to increase the dialog concerning and supporting diversity. Delta Phi Omega is working on ensuring that it always creates a safe environment for members to have hard discussions. Part of that is talking about these events as we experience them.
At this time, we must focus on the fact that we are all brothers and sisters in humanity, and prioritize learning and talking about the root causes of the current protests and the interracial activism. This is a chance for us to listen without judgement, learn, ask questions, and share in grief and in hope, and act for a must just, equitable, and racially conscious world.
If you have more suggestions on what we can to do help, please share them with us here.
With respect and love,
Delta Phi Omega Sorority, Incorporated
