.png)
Hello Sisters,
In a post we made on Instagram earlier this month, backed by our chapter leadership and members, we stated the following:
"Sisterhood is one of the core values we hold as Panhellenic women. As sisters we support all of the incredible women in our organizations who have been personally affected by the hatred and injustice shown in our country.
Panhellenic women come from many different backgrounds. Therefore, we will not promote silence and privilege but rather, we stand with our black sisters and all Black Americans. We support our sisters of color and are proud to know, love, and cherish them.
We often preach diversity and inclusion both as students of UNT and members of Panhellenic. During this time we want our actions to speak louder than words so we will not be passive. We will not tolerate hatred. We will not tolerate discrimination. We will not stay silent.
So many members of our community in Panhellenic, Greek Life, and at the University of North Texas have been deeply hurt, and we hope all of our members will be allies to our sisters and brothers all around us. If you are in need of support during this time or would like to know what to do to help make change visit any of the resources in this post."
We do not want these words to be empty, action-less, and simply a stunt to make ourselves look acceptable. We are acting and supporting our sisters actively and would like to take this newsletter to uplift each other and also hold our sisters accountable to the promises they made by highlighting some amazing things our chapters and chapter members have done to support Black Lives Matter.
Alpha Delta Pi
The women of Alpha Delta Pi posted this statement on their Instagram account as a first step in calling out the injustice going on and by standing with their sisters. Their statement reads:
"Alpha Delta Pi is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive sisterhood that celebrates the identities of members and where thought-provoking discourse is embraced with respect. Our founder, Eugenia Tucker Fitzgerald, imagined the first secret organization for college women as a 'society for mutual improvement,' and we continue to demonstrate this mindset today."
Following that post, they created a large list of resources which was posted and still remains in their Instagram Bio. If you would like to access those resources please visit https://linktr.ee/adpiunt.
Alpha Phi
The women of Alpha Phi also came out with a statement to express their thoughts and concerns regarding the state of injustice in our world and around us. Here is that statement:
"Alpha Phi joins all who condemn racism, hate, bigotry, and violence. Our sisterhood grieves with the families and friends of those who have suffered injustice. As Alpha Phis we expect our members to live up to our high ideals and to show the best qualities of character by being fair, inclusive and supportive. Racism, hate, bigotry and violence are in complete contradiction with our purpose.
The Fraternity is committed to providing education and resources that build cultural competence and to actively engage in conversation that challenge one another to be anti-racist. As members of Alpha Phi, we cannot stand silently by as our communities and the world are impacted by violence and injustice. We call on our members and chapters to stand up against hate and to take action to care for those who are harmed by racism.
To our black members and friends, your families and loved ones, we see you, we hear you, and we stand hand-in-hand with you."
Chi Omega
The first step Chi Omega took was also to make a statement to Instagram where they posted this series of statements with the following caption:
"As an organization filled with women of all backgrounds, we cannot stay silent on the injustices that black Americans have faced this week and throughout our country’s history. Silence on such a deeply ingrained issue is a privilege and we, as Chi Omegas, are making it our goal to consistently stand up for people of color and to continue an open discourse on these acts of cruelty and bigotry. We stand as allies by our sisters of color and the minority and black communities who are forced to live in fear and face these inequalities in their everyday lives. To learn how you can be an active voice on the issue of discrimination and police brutality against minorities, you can text “Justice” to 668366 or “FLOYD” to 55156"
Following this post Chi Omega then started an Instagram Bingo 24-Hour campaign in which their members raised $2,390 for the Black Lives Matter Fund.
In addition, the chapter has begun to take steps in discussing and combating white privilege withing their organization by having a chapter Book Club to read educational literature relating to race, privilege, and justice. The first book they'll be reading is "So You Want to Talk About Race" by Ijeoma Oluo.
An outstanding sister within their chapter, Katie Martini, owner and founder of Martini Made Co. also contributed to Black Lives Matter by donating 10% of her sales from this month. Visit her Instagram @martinimadeco
Many sisters have also been stepping out to speak up on social media as well as attending protests all throughout Texas.
Delta Gamma
The women within Delta Gamma took to Instagram to speak out about the injustices going on in our country by releasing the above statement that also includes links to some helpful resources.
Their sister Bailey Cage hosted a zoom presentation and open discussion regarding White Privilege and how to use it for good. Bailey said "I want this meeting to hopefully educate sisters that are not sure exactly how to help people of color and to have an open discussion to bring us all closer as a sorority."
Many sisters in Delta Gamma have also been active in peaceful protesting to demonstrate their alliance with the Black Lives Matter movement. On June 1st Grace Mulkey, Clarissa Miranda, and Allison Quisenberry attended the protest in Denton. Allison said about her experience "the protest had an amazing turnout, and it was great to see the Denton community come together. Attending the protest is just one way we allies can show support for our Black community members, friends, & family." Alex attended Black Lives Matter Protests held in Tulsa, OK. Grace attended one organized by a non-profit organization called "Our Path Forward." This protest was held in Denton on June 10th regarding the death of Darius Tarver and elevating Black Voices.
Other members of Delta Gamma have also been very active in signing petitions, donating to various organizations, and supporting the movement through Social Media.
Kappa Delta
On Instagram, Kappa Delta initially posted these posts to show their solidarity for the Black Community, and captioned the post:
"We are here and we stand with our black sisters and our black community. We must use our voices and platform to speak out against racism and injustice. Racism WILL NOT be tolerated. We encourage you to click the link in our bio and to text “Justice” to 668366 or “FLOYD” to 55156"
They also provided a link with an abundance of resources that you can visit here: https://linktr.ee/untkappadelta
Their Council and chapter members also had a discussion about what they can do to better the experience of Black women and women of color within their chapter. In the fall, their Membership Chair, Furhan Baker will be planning some workshops to further the conversation and education on injustices in our community.
Their sisters also participated in an Instagram Bingo challenge in which they raised $300 for the Black Lives Matter Act Blue Fund.
If you want to see more resources from Kappa Delta you can also visit their BLM Instagram Story Highlight to see these resources.
Their most recent Instagram post regarding the nature of changing feed content was also a way that Kappa Delta showed their support after muting their social media posts for a few days. The caption is as follows:
"Gamma Beta promises to continue to advocate for equality even after the news cycle. To all the wonderful PNMs, we are so excited to meet you and we hope you register for recruitment! While we are so excited to share our sisterhood with you and promote recruitment, we understand that we must continue to educate ourselves and stand up against inequality in our nation. Click the link in our bio or check out our BLM story highlight and join us in continuing to learn, listen, and act on the events happening in our nation."
Kappa Kappa Gamma
The ladies of Kappa Kappa Gamma also took to their social media platform to create this message on their Instagram Story and also posted it later. In addition to this they created a link to follow with many resources: https://linktr.ee/Northtexaskappa. In addition to this, their BLM Instagram Story Highlight has a wide variety of posts and resources from other accounts that
would be a great help to many.
Last Thursday there was an Open Discussion Meeting about Black Lives Matter through Zoom where women from their chapter were able to discuss openly their thoughts and continue the dialogue. Sisters shared stories of their own experiences with white privilege and with systemic racism. There was also discussion about the importance of diversity within the UNT Staff.
One of their sisters, Zoe Brooks, received over 100 orders for her Black Lives Matter T-Shirts that people have worn to protests, and added to their wardrobe. VIsit her Instagram @callmeziggyy
Another sister of theirs, Ivalis Guajardo, made 50% of the profits from her digital art on Instagram go towards the Black Disability Coalition during the month of June. Visit her Instagram @ivalis.digitally
Many sisters have been vocal on social media and have been attending protests in their own hometowns, as well as finding more and more ways to show support for the movements as well as silencing their Instagram and allowing their focus to lie solely on BLM related resources.
Pi Beta Phi
Pi Beta Phi's first public statement regarding Black Lives Matter read like this:
"In the core of Pi Beta Phi, we value Honor and Respect. As women of Texas Epsilon and the fraternity at large, we encourage our members to uphold their honor as women and adhere and stand for what is right when faced with unprecedented times. We will provide respect to all no matter the background they come from. Every individual no matter their race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, beliefs, and differences deserve the upmost respect. Texas Epsilon will stand now more than ever as an ally to all marginalized groups.
We are angered in the recent racially motivated violence and recognize the need for change in our society. George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and the many others faced with social injustice will not stand alone. As sisters and women of the Panhellenic community, the Denton community, and much greater, we will stand with all who have been personally affected by the hatred and injustice shown in our country. We will stand together in support of the black community. We can not stay silent on the injustices and violence occurring daily in our country. Texas Epsilon encourages in members and our community to stand together. Stand with us and take action, text “Justice” to 668366 or “FLOYD” to 55156. We will not stay silent. We will turn our words into actions and stand for justice."
This post was followed by a very informative post with a large amount of resources including books, podcasts, petitions, and more. This is what they had to say:
"We must keep the momentum going. TX Epsilon Pi Beta Phi will continue to stay active in this monumental movement. We vow to continue to educate ourselves and the community around us. We promise to always stand for justice, promote change, and contribute to the betterment of society. Pi Phi Love to all"
Twelve Pi Phi sisters have participated in protests, and the members of their chapter are working to use their voices as much as possible. They are striving to use their platform to advocate for the Black Community.
One of their sisters, Angel Piers, has created a digital art business that has Black Lives Matter stickers. Here is what Angel had to say about this: "In support of the Black Lives Matter movement, I began creating sticker designs that are available on RedBubble. I wanted to find a way to raise money for awareness for this movement, and allow others to display their support as well. All of the profits are being donated to the Black Lives Matter movement. So far my stickers have been purchased in three different countries and over 13 U.S. States, and it has been so amazing to see people from all over showing their support! I'm very grateful to have the tools and resources available to me to be able to advocate for what I believe in while doing what I love (drawing)." You can visit her Instagram @doodzbyangel
Pi Phi is also putting together care packages for the homeless as many are still being greatly affected by COVID-19.
Zeta Tau Alpha
The lovely ladies of Zeta Tau Alpha also used their platform to spread their support for the Black Lives Matter movement and made the following statement:
"As Zetas, our Creed calls us to have “devotion to the Right, the Good, and the True.” To live up to that call, we stand against racism, bigotry and violence. We promote and celebrate diversity, inclusion and acceptance. We mourn the senseless losses of lives in the recent tragedies of Ahmaud, Breonna & George & others before them.
To our Black sisters, friends & family: ZTA may not be the first thing on your mind right now, but we want you to know we see you. Your sisters are here for you. Our Key Value “Seeking Understanding that We Might Gain True Wisdom” guides our inclusion philosophy and efforts. This value encourages sisters to learn from & appreciate cultures/viewpoints that may be different from their own, & understand how they can make steps toward equality for everyone.
Link in bio to learn more."
Here is that link: https://linktr.ee/ztagammaphi
They also posted a push to Vote and to Register for the Primaries on their Instagram with this as their caption:
"Tomorrow is the last day to register to vote in Texas for the runoff election!!!! Make sure YOUR voice is heard!! Link is in our LinkTree in our bio to register or to make sure you’re registered! It takes less than two minutes to voice your opinion!"
What's Next?
Seeing all of this may seem like a way of giving ourselves a pat on the back, we like to view this as accountability. Our sisters have spoken and those words have turned into action. As Panhellenic we would love, and expect to see our sisters continue to advocate and make change for Black lives in our community and hopefully all of these things are only the first steps in a long list of ways we can grow as women, and as people. If you hear something, say something. If we in any way fail to fulfill the promises we have made in these past few weeks, call us out. We hear you and we support you and we see this as the beginning of a very positive step forward.
Until Next Month,
xoxo Pan Girl