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Hello Powerhouses,
Trigger Warning: abortion, maternal health care and pregnancy, health care insecurity, gender inequality, racism
We write to you with important information and ways to take action about the recent draft decision from the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS). We want to offer a safe space for sorors in light of this incredibly difficult and sad development – please feel free to reach out to National Board or each other for support. We also encourage you to share any aligning resources that you would like to uplift on this issue.
Draft Dobbs vs. Jackson Women’s Health Organization Decision from SCOTUS
In an unprecedented move, a draft of a majority Supreme Court opinion drafted by Justice Alito in the Dobbs vs. Jackson Women’s Health Organization case was released on Monday, May 2. Justice Alito’s draft opinion overrules Roe vs. Wade and eliminates nearly 50 years of precedent establishing and protecting the legal right to abortion in the United States.
We want to emphasize that this is a draft decision, and abortion is still legal in the United States. It remains your constitutional right. While this is not a final decision, it clearly indicates the likely direction the majority of SCOTUS will take when it issues a final decision.
The draft decision also shows that we are at a crisis moment for abortion access in this country. The consequences of this impending SCOTUS decision will be swift and devastating for communities nationwide: overturning Roemeans 26 states could swiftly move to ban abortion – including 13 states with laws that could immediately go into effect.
It is important to note, the people who will be most harmed by this decision are Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and other people of color who disproportionately feel the effects of abortion bans and restrictions, a product of this country's legacy of racism and discrimination.
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November 20, 2021
TW: Police brutality, mass incarceration, violence, death penalty, white supremacy
Dear Powerhouses,
Yesterday we learned of the Rittenhouse verdict. This verdict is disheartening, disgusting, and maddening and is a reflection of the system working as it has been intended to function: to serve white people and uphold white supremacy in our laws. We are also seeing firsthand in this case’s result the reality that systemic racism is very much alive.
The day before this verdict, that we learned about Julius Jones' execution in Oklahoma being halted four hours before him being scheduled to receive a lethal injection. Julius Jones still had to face severe levels of cruelty, with him being forced to undergo the rituals of execution. Since the halting of this execution, he has been sentenced to life imprisonment with no chance of parole. Julius Jones has maintained his innocence throughout his case. Let us be clear: what shifted this execution was the power of people coming through to organize and elevate his voice. We need to also be clear that this result is just one step in the right direction though it is not by any means satisfactory, and continued work is still left to be done.
We elevate the following ways to get involved in these issues:
Donate to Julius Jones campaign here, which is fighting his current case.
If you are unfamiliar with Julius Jones and his case, learn more here including a docu-series by Viola Davis, a podcast diving into his innocence and other sources of knowledge.
How will you talk about the Rittenhouse verdict with those around you? Your language is important and how you discuss this case//the outcome with those around you can make an impact. It also shows your lifelong commitment to unlearning and challenging systems of oppression in our country.
Many protests are happening around the country as we speak. When in movement please remember to keep the following tips in mind:.
In the midst of these moments of involvement, please also prioritize your care and rest. We uplift @TheNapMinistry created by Tricia Hersey who views rest as a form of resistance. We offer a quote by her which speaks to the power of this notion:
“I think seeing that in this culture in this culture where Black bodies are looked at as a problem, where Black bodies are looked at as something shameful, something that wants and needs to be ended and the violence of trauma that’s happened to our bodies, to see us in a rest state, to see us relaxing and laying back is really, really powerful.” (Prism, 2020)
With love, gratitude and connection,
National Board
Please join us this Saturday at 10 AM PST/12 PM CST/1 PM EST for a Virtual Memorial to honor our beloved soror Courtney Croslin.
This space will provide an opportunity to elevate the legacy of Courtney and spend time in community together. We will have an open space for folks who would like to share any memories, love, or acknowledgments that they would like to offer - both verbally or through writing depending on your comfort.
Additionally, on Saturday we will recognize and acknowledge the opening of our Omega Chapter within this organization. You can join this event on zoom here.
Meeting ID: 846 5576 0217 Passcode: 517707
If you have any photos of Courtney you would like included in a presentation we have created, you can send them directly to President@zetasigmachi.com.
If unable to attend this event, but you are in a space of being able to financially give, you can contribute directly to her GoFundMe at this link.
As Zeta Sigma Chi Multicultural Sorority, Incorporated, we express our deepest sympathies over the passing of our soror, Courtney Croslin. Courtney was a leader throughout our entire organization, and her legacy will forever be remembered. She had an incredibly dynamic way of moving in her power and radiance, and served as an endless source of inspiration for every individual who had the opportunity to connect with her. Courtney’s heart was simply unmatched in the ways she showed up in this lifetime, and this will endure on throughout time. We firmly believe that Courtney embodied everything that makes a Radiant Lady, in the very essence of her being. We will have more information coming soon about the ways we will be honoring her legacy and offering support to her loved ones.
Her Peach & Black flame will shine eternally in our hearts.
<3 CalitZa Thalia, VainGloriouZ ΣXtraVIIgance, Omicron Chapter <3
It is with a heavy heart that we have made the decision to cancel our National Summit for this year.
This decision comes post dialogue with hotels in Los Angeles, National Board and our Summit planning committee and heavy monitoring regarding health and wellness Nationally. As it stands, hosting an event of this nature is simply not a possibility due to the nature of where legally protocols stand around events of this size. Hotels throughout Los Angeles feel strongly this will not be shifting anytime soon and advised we move to schedule for much farther in the future. We also believe for the continued protection of our membership this decision is the most responsible way to move.
Thank you for joining us for VIRTUAL 30! - Virtual Founders' Week 2021 -
We hope you had a great time reconnecting and learning. See you soon!
Today marks the start of a very special month, so we celebrate! #happypride ????
ZETA SIGMA CHI MULTICULTURAL SORORITY, INC. OFFICIAL STATEMENT REGARDING OUR REALITY
Black Lives Matter.
Black Lives are at the forefront of violence in our country right now.
Black Lives are at the center of this crisis.
Black Lives over capitalism.
Black Lives should be centered.
Black Lives deserve to be protected.
Black Lives make up our sisterhood.
Black Lives Matter.
This comes at a time when feelings are high, emotions are heavy, and hearts are depleted. This statement could also not move forward with clearly and explicitly saying these truths.
We are headed to Los Angeles, California to celebrate 30 years of Education, Success, Culture, Service + Sisterhood in 2021.
We are pleased to announce the official National Summit 2021 landing page.
Hello Sorors! We are looking for your feedback on the upcoming National Summit and what YOU would like to see happen over the course of the weekend.
We want to create a week that is balanced between business, workshops that you'd like to see, fun, and different opportunities for our sorors to be engaged in radiant ways.
Please move through the following survey available on tap.bio/zetasigmachi and provide any ideas that come to mind when you reflect on the questions. We are looking for responses until June 6th.
Hope you are excited for March 5-7 as we take over Los Angeles! #ZSC30