Quote:
Originally posted by MIDWESTDIVA
In the June 2002 issue of Essence magazine, Susan L Tayor States:
We've come so far-but the news is not all good. While some of us are doing fine, many are not. Violence, including sexual violence, against Black women and girls is a life-stunting reality, and our community has not taken appropriate action. Grassroots and religious instituions, fraternal, sororal and civil-rights organizations have been conspicuously silent.
Any thoughts?
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Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority has taken and continues to take a stand against the violence that plagues black women. The two most recent examples that stand out in my mind are the participation of sorors in the Portland area in fundraising efforts for the local abused women's and children's shelter and the Rites of Passage program, a program which seeks to empower young women to make life choices (mental, spiritual, career, relationship) which benefit them. There are many other programs sponsored by Sigma that address elements of the problem. I think that all NPHC organizations have platforms and programs that address the need.
Should more things be done when one considers the assault statistics that concern African-American women and girls? ABSOLUTELY, WITHOUT A DOUBT.
I think there should be some sort of grading system in place for publications, recordings and television content on the basis of whether it is demeaning to women. I think that demands should be made that entertainment entities (that profit from the message that women are objects) should fund programs to help reverse some of the damage that they inflict on society. If not, then they (and their corporate sponsors) should be boycotted.
I don't think that the HBGLOs have been silent, but they definitely need to be louder concerning this problem, because it is prevalent in the primary community which is supposed to be served.
TRSimon
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