LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

Letter from the President

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

Asia Woods, Assistant Director for Fraternity and Sorority Life, UNC Charlotte

This didn’t just happen with George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, or Ahmaud Arbery. This didn’t just happen in 2016 when Donald Trump was elected. I have family members alive right now that can vividly remember living under Jim Crow; who can remember the term changing from “n***er” to more acceptable slurs like “thug” and “super-predator;” who can remember being harassed by white fraternity members while trying to get the education you told us we needed to have a taste of the so-called “American Dream.” What’s happening right now is inevitable when a country with a past as dark as ours refuses to acknowledge how it was built. This seed was sowed over 400 years ago when the first slave ship sailed into Jamestown in 1619. You’re just now seeing it, or perhaps you’ve seen it before, but for whatever reason you feel more compelled now. I appreciate your new revelations. However, I’m tired. Literally exhausted of explaining, of teaching, of being angry, of being sad, of being numb, of seeing another Black life gone — selfishly hoping and praying someone I love isn’t next. I’m out of answers, and frankly I (we) shouldn’t have to come up with them. This seed was sowed by you, figure it out.

Christina Parle

Christina Parle, Director of Chapter Services and Conduct, Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity

Then they came for the Socialists. And I did not speak out because I was not a Socialist. Then they came for the Jews. And I did not speak out because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me. And there was no one left to speak out for me.

- Abridged version of the original quote

So your statements … your Facebook and Instagram posts … your #BlackoutTuesday are nice, and they are not enough. I/We need all non-Black people to act. Disrupt and interrupt problematic behavior — big 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

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?

Veronica H. Moore

Veronica H. Moore, Director of Educational Programs, Delta Upsilon Fraternity

I want white AFA professionals to know that is not my job to teach you about the injustice against Black folks in this country. Racial battle fatigue is real, and I’m tired of my words and the words of my Black peers falling on deaf ears. Keep the fluff words and start doing the work to dismantle the white supremacist constructs of this country. Also, it’s okay to say and refer to me as … Black.

To my non-white POC, marginalized identities are marginalized identities. You don’t get to choose which level of discrimination and oppression applies to your life. When one hurts we all hurt. Your silence equates to acceptance. Stand up and speak out.

Lawrence Ross

Lawrence Ross, Author/Lecturer of Blackballed: The Black & White Politics of Race on America’s Campuses

Often, I feel like white AFA professionals are too comfortable with simply being aware of the issues. It’s like they understand all of the terms, the philosophies, and they’re trying to be more woke than their most non-woke white professionals. But there’s still a lack of courage when it comes to truly deconstructing the system that often denigrates and marginalizes Black, Latinx, Native American, and Asian American students. I hear all of the excuses for non-action, including lack of power, resources, etc. But at some point, you’ve got to ask yourself, “Are you about action or not?” Taking action requires risk. If not, you’re just pantomiming. I’m always looking, and taking note, of those who take those risks for change. Those are the AFA professionals who make an impact.