Letter from the President Wendi Kinney
One of the privileges granted to the association president is space in each quarterly publication of Perspectives to address the readership in the “Letter From The President.” This space is the president’s to use as they see fit. The letter can be a reflection on the topics covered in the publication, highlights of initiatives or the annual meeting, or an opinion on the state of the industry. Or it can be a call to action for the membership. I am the 40th president of the association. Only two presidents have been individuals of color. White voices have dominated this space for decades. In this issue, this letter serves to amplify the voices of Black members. These incredible people answered my call to share with our members what they want their white and non-Black colleagues to know. I acknowledge the emotional labor these individuals expended in doing so, particularly during yet another period of great fear, anger, sadness, and exhaustion. I am grateful to them for giving of themselves.
Asia Woods
angry, of being sad, of being numb, Assistant Director for of seeing another Black life gone — Fraternity and Sorority Life, selfishly hoping and praying someone UNC Charlotte I love isn’t next. I’m out of answers, and frankly I (we) shouldn’t have to come up This didn’t just happen with George with them. This seed was sowed by you, Floyd, Breonna Taylor, or Ahmaud figure it out. Arbery. This didn’t just happen in 2016 when Donald Trump was elected. I have family members alive Christina Parle right now that can vividly remember Director of Chapter Services and Conduct, living under Jim Crow; who can Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity remember the term changing from “n***er” to more acceptable slurs “Then they came for the Socialists like “thug” and “super-predator;” And I did not speak out who can remember being harassed Because I was not a Socialist by white fraternity members while Then they came for the Jews trying to get the education you told And I did not speak out us we needed to have a taste of the Because I was not a Jew so-called “American Dream.” What’s happening right now is inevitable Then they came for me when a country with a past as dark as And there was no one left ours refuses to acknowledge how it To speak out for me” was built. This seed was sowed over Abridged version of the original quote 400 years ago when the first slave ship sailed into Jamestown in 1619. So your statements … your Facebook You’re just now seeing it, or perhaps and Instagram posts … your you’ve seen it before, but for whatever #BlackoutTuesday are nice, and reason you feel more compelled now. they are not enough. I/We need all I appreciate your new revelations. non-Black people to act. Disrupt and However, I’m tired. Literally exhausted interrupt problematic behavior — big of explaining, of teaching, of being or small, out in the open and behind
closed doors. Protect Black people, your Black students, your Black colleagues. If you don’t show up now, there may be no one left to fight for you later.
Chris Graham
Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life, Florida State University
To my non-Black colleagues and friends, I want you to know that what many of you are just starting to see, realize, and understand has been my lived experience my entire life. I hope each of you move from just sharing statements, to real substantive action. Doing nothing is not a solution! The opportunity we have is not new, but it is unique. Seize the moment to challenge and change the systematic and problematic systems that continue to kill, harm, and hurt Black men and women. At the end of the day, each of us will be judged not only by what we do and don’t say, but ultimately by what we do. When the universe takes its turn to shine a light on your actions, what will we see? 04
