Katina Stephens Inspires at April General Meeting

Lake/Sumter AAUW members and guests were excited to have Katina Stephens, the South Atlantic Regional Director for the Southern Christian Leadership (SCL) Foundation speak at our April General Meeting. Ms. Stephens gave us a brief overview of the humble beginnings of SCL Foundation, including founders Harry Belafonte and Sir Sidney Poitier’s financing protest activities of Dr. Martin L. King Jr and her father, Lorenzo Thomas, being one of those foot soldiers in the struggle for African American voting rights in the ’60s that SCL Foundation would mentor. She tied these origins to the history of AAUW’s beginnings and affirmed that we should be saddled not with the burden but with the opportunity to prove and justify a woman’s right to exist.

Ms. Stephens ended her presentation by showing all of us the importance of Allyship. Allyship (in diversity and inclusion) refers to the active support and advocacy for individuals from marginalized communities. It involves using one’s privilege to create opportunities and champion the interests of those facing discrimination and social injustice. However, she urged all of us to go home to consider who we are in our commitment to helping mankind or better yet, womankind, by pondering: Are we Allies or Accomplices?  

Allies are people that utilize their privilege to create opportunities for marginalized groups and support those who do not have that same position. While allies are essential in promoting diversity and inclusion, they are not enough on their own.  

Accomplices are people actively working to dismantle the systems of oppression that perpetuate inequality by actively working towards creating change. They go beyond the status quo, and they take risks and are vocal activists for marginalized communities.

Ms. Stephens drove home an important point: In working together to do the most good, we need to shine a light on the fact that while allies are absolutely essential in promoting diversity and inclusion, accomplices are critical in creating long-lasting change.

AAUW attendees left charged and encouraged to continue the great work we have already championed and excited about the new adventures we can see on the horizon.