The Herstory of Womyn of Color

The first thing that we want to make clear is that we are not a "feminist" group. We will not be defined by a white women's definition of womanhood. Actually, defining us by a single name would not serve us justice. We are women with cultures from all around the world. While we share in very similar experiences with racism and sexism, we still can not negate the fact that we all share very different and unique experiences as well.

Womyn of Color was created in the eighties by a group of women of color. Most of these women were a part of other ALANA student group organizations. However, they did not get the support that they needed from the larger group. Thus, they turned to each other. Most of them continued to be members in the other organizations, and few simply relied on the Womyn of Color support group for total support. This original group did not want to be officially recognized as a student group, because they felt as though it would take away from the uniqueness of the group.

The group died down, because of various reasons. In nine thousand, nine hundred, and ninety-six, Sung Yun Lee, and Ebony Kirkland saw an intense need to revive the group. At this time they knew that one way the group would never die was to be SGA recognized. We also wanted to be recognized so that we can serve as a resource to the other ALANA organizations, also to make a difference in the Burlington community.

With the help of Marta Esquilin, Catalina Villa, and an ex-student and a community member April d'Cruz, were able to obtain recognition this year. Womyn of Color last year brought up Chai Ling, commander and Chief of the Tiananemen Square demonstration in China. This year we have been part of various speak-outs, meetings, and written letters of protest. We are and always will be advocates of ALANA students, for as long as we exist. We were able to sponsor women going to the Million Women March in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

In this organization, we all love each other as sisters should. We look out for each other as sisters would. And we move on together as only sisters could. WE ARE UNITED.