Kappa Theta Epsilon Sorority Charters New Gamma Chapter
/in Kappa Theta Epsilon, News /by Kappa Theta EpsilonKappa Theta Epsilon Calls for the Release of Brittney Griner
/in Kappa Theta Epsilon, News /by Kappa Theta EpsilonKappa Theta Epsilon Remembers the Selma March on Bloody Sunday
/in Kappa Theta Epsilon, News /by Kappa Theta EpsilonOn this day, 56 years ago, a group of determined Black activists crossed the Edmund Pettus bridge, and walked into history.
People from across the nation converged on Selma, Alabama to take part in this moment. They chose to stand for equality, human dignity, and the right to be treated as Americans.
Kappa Theta Epsilon Sorority’s Beta Chapter presents PowHER Lunch ATL
/in Events, Kappa Theta Epsilon, News /by Kappa Theta EpsilonKappa Theta Epsilon Mobilizes to Help Louisiana Flood Victims
/in Kappa Theta Epsilon, News /by Kappa Theta EpsilonKappa Theta Epsilon Sorority Expresses Condolences Over Mass Shooting at Pulse Nightclub
/in Kappa Theta Epsilon, News /by Kappa Theta EpsilonATLANTA – The National Office of Kappa Theta Epsilon Sorority, Inc. joins our entire membership in offering our deepest condolences to the families, friends and loved ones of those killed and injured in the Pulse nightclub shooting.
We are saddened to learn that more than 100 people fell victim to this violent hate crime. Members of our community have long fought for equality, civil liberty and the right to live proudly, without fear.
Though we have made immense strides as a community over the last several years, this terrible act is an unfortunate reminder of how far we have left to go, and the importance of continued education and community solidarity.
We ask all Sorority members, supporters and friends to honor the lives of those directly affected by creating safe spaces for open dialogue amongst each other and the larger community.
In order to ensure effective care for injured victims, we ask all members of the Sorority and other LBGTQ-focused civic organizations in Orlando and the surrounding areas to give blood, and donate any time and resources available to assist in their recovery. We must stand together during this unfortunate time and help Orlando overcome it.
As an organization committed to education and social change, Kappa Theta Epsilon intends to continue its work to inform the public of the significant challenges still faced by the LGBTQ community. Our hearts are with the fallen of Orlando, and we are committed to honoring them with our continued service.
Please read the official press statement here.
Kappa Theta Epsilon Applauds Overturning of Mississippi Same Sex Adoption Ban
/in Kappa Theta Epsilon, News /by Kappa Theta EpsilonATLANTA – The National Office of Kappa Theta Epsilon Sorority, Inc. released a statement today on behalf of the social service organization’s membership in response to U.S. District Court Judge Daniel P. Jordan III’s decision to strike down the state of Mississippi’s same-sex adoption ban last Thursday:
“The members of Kappa Theta Epsilon are pleased to learn of the Campaign for Southern Equality’s victory in U.S. District Court. We believe that all children deserve the love and support of a positive, affirming home environment. Judge Jordan’s decision clears the way for Mississippi same-gender couples to open their homes and offer such a space to children in need.
The Sorority hopes to learn that Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant will be as fair in his decision regarding HB 1523. The bill, currently on the Governor’s desk, allows private citizens and organizations to refuse service to a variety of constituencies on religious grounds.
We ask all Sorority supporters, other LGBTQ civic organizations and proponents for equality in Mississippi to make their voices heard by calling, writing and emailing Governor Bryant’s office. It is our hope that, after such a historic ruling supporting fairness for all families, open discrimination will not become a part of Mississippi’s political tapestry in 2016.”
Please read the official press release here.
TARGET: Social Impact & Policy Awareness
INITIATIVE: #MoreThanMarriage
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For more information on how you can become involved with social impact and public policy in your area, contact the Sorority at http://KappaThetaEpsilon.com/contact.
Kappa Theta Epsilon Supports the Vetoing of Georgia HB 757
/in Kappa Theta Epsilon, News /by Kappa Theta EpsilonKappa Theta Epsilon Sorority, Incorporated is pleased to learn that Governor Nathan Deal has chosen to veto GA House Bill 757.
The controversial piece of proposed legislation, named the First Amendment Defense Act, was passed by the state legislature in February and made it to the Governor’s desk amid strong opposition from the civic and business communities.
FADA was a legislative attempt to codify into GA law similar protections to those included in the 1993 Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) which was declared unconstitutional by the US Supreme Court in 1997.
The legislation would give legal protection to any ministerial staff, clergy or “faith based organizations” to refuse services “that violate such faith based organization’s sincerely held religious belief.”
That means that faith-based organizations could refuse to “rent, lease, or otherwise grant permission for property to be used by another person for an event which is objectionable to such faith based organization.” The definition of “faith-based organization” is broad enough to include several Georgia universities, and local businesses owned by religious organizations.
We salute the state legislators and business community who stood with our constituency to see this legislation defeated. Though the war isn’t yet won, this is a decided victory for Georgians.
Read the Sorority’s official press release.
Read Gov. Deal’s remarks on HB 757 here.
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TARGET: Social Impact & Policy Awareness
INITIATIVE: #MoreThanMarriage
The Legacy Series: Ruth Ellis
/in Kappa Theta Epsilon, Legacy Series, News /by Kappa Theta EpsilonDuring the month of February, Kappa Theta Epsilon not only celebrates our Founding Day; we celebrate the contributions of African-American lesbian women. In honor of the accomplishments of these distinguished individuals, the Sorority is proud to present The Legacy Series.
LEADER. ACTIVIST. ENTREPRENEUR. ICON.
Born in 1899, Ruth Ellis was known as America’s longest living openly lesbian woman. During her lifetime, she would accomplish many “firsts,” including being the first female proprietor of a printing company in the city of Detroit.
She learned about standing up for herself from her father – who was the first African American mail carrier in the city of Springfield, IL.
Ruth attended Springfield High – an “all-white” school – and faced derision and ostracism
from her classmates. After high school, she went to work for a white man in a print shop. There she learned the trade that would become her livelihood.
At the urging of her older brother, she moved to Detriot in 1937. Ruth went into business for herself, opening up a print shop and servicing the Detroit business and religious communities.
Not long after relocating, she met Ceciline “Babe” Franklin, her partner of more than 35 years. The couple decided to open their home to Black gays and lesbians as a safe haven & a place to socialize. It quickly became known as “the gay spot,” and took on popularity with LGBT
people across the region.
Later in life, Ruth volunteered helping other seniors. In her 80s, she became a sought
after public speaker on LGBT rights and issues.
Today, the Ruth Ellis Center in Detroit, Michigan serves homeless LGBT youth in need of a safe haven in her honor.
Ruth was a pioneer – as a Black woman, an openly queer woman of color, and an entrepreneur.
What makes the life of Ruth Ellis so unique, and so significant, is her self-determinism.
She made the decision to define herself and live authentically in a time when that was almost unheard of for African-American women.
Ms. Ellis passed away peacefully on October 5th, 2000. She was 101 years old.
To learn more about the Legacy Series and Kappa Theta Epsilon Sorority, visit the hub at http://KappaThetaEpsilon.com/legacyseries.
About Kappa Theta Epsilon
Kappa Theta Epsilon is a social service Sorority committed to the personal and professional development of leaders in the LGBT community.
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