National Anti-Hate Statement
August 28, 2017
We, the Sisters of Delta Kappa Delta Sorority, Inc., continue to have an obligation to speak up about injustices we can address. The hateful and terroristic march that took place by white supremacists, nazis, and confederates, in Charlottesville, VA at the University of Virginia as well as the disgraceful pardon of Joe Arpaio, the controversial former sheriff of Maricopa County, Arizona, who is also a persistent and legendary violator of the legal and constitutional rights of Latino visitors, residents and citizens, is one of many ways white supremacy continues to manifest in the United States.
This is not a new movement. As an organization based in the United States, we have seen with the turn of tide the lasting effects of white supremacy, racial discrimination, and nativism. United States history, while built on the backs of people of color and immigrants, is also strongly entrenched in white supremacy. This hatred, prejudice, racism, discrimination affects all Americans. Delta Kappa Delta Sorority, Inc. will not continue to be complicit in furthering this hateful ideology.
As a Greek Organization with cultural roots, our platform is founded on civic engagement with issues that affect our society and those within our reach to make a difference. Organizations like ours were founded to provide a voice for those marginalized within the higher education environment as well as the circles we continue to maintain a presence in, beyond the collegiate experience.
Being from South Asian roots, we are aware of racial issues present within our own identities that provide obstacles in the United States. A majority of our membership consists of South Asian women who face cultural, religious, and societal barriers in their everyday lives. The model minority myth continues to pressure Asians and other People of Color to maintain a stereotypical image that continues to bring People of Color collectively down. The rampant anti-blackness that is present in Asian and South-Asian culture, stemming from colonialist attitudes that our families have passed down for generations, lingers. These attitudes are the result of white supremacy from colonialism. We cannot afford to allow these white supremacist attitudes penetrate and threaten us, and our black and brown brothers and sisters. No longer will we ignore or pretend like it is normal, and no longer will we make excuses. These dangerous attitudes contribute to a complacency that we can no longer afford to partake in, as white supremacy becomes emboldened with the climate of the country; As hard-working immigrants are unfairly deported left and right under the backwards policies that reinforce white supremacy, nativism, and xenophobia; As our black and brown brothers and sisters are continually oppressed, marginalized, treated like criminals and continually denied equal opportunities; As peaceful and beautiful religions as Islam and Judaism are continually disparaged. All of the above identities make America what it is; a diverse, strong, and resilient country.
Being from cultural backgrounds from across the world, we are fully aware of the anti-blackness and racist attitudes that are prevalent across the world, not just in this country, and permeate cultures, societies and attitudes to this day. Our commitment to saying we will fight white supremacy requires us to educate our families, friends, and acquaintances to know better, and to do better.
We ask that our members, friends, and families be active and vocal in denouncing white supremacy.
Here are some actions you can take:
Educate yourself more about the terroristic effects of white supremacy.
Sign the Asian American Against White Supremacy pledge, Found here
Provide financial support and/or time by volunteering for anti-racist and/or pro-justice organizations on the local, state-wide, and national level.
Participate in rallies that are vocal against hateful legislation, hateful acts, and violence.
Engage your family and friends in open conversations about the topic, this is how we can reach a large demographic that is usually unwilling to engage.
Call your local, state, and federal representatives, ensure they are not complicit or furthering the agenda of white supremacy, whether it be through legislation, condemning hate, or changing relics of white supremacy (e.g. statutes, monuments, public property, building names honoring confederate generals, etc)
Vote in upcoming elections. Register here
