Typically, when we think of the conservative Deep South, we think of untapped fertile ground for a feminist movement, despite its long history of activism and grassroots organizing. However, through our travel, Emily and I have found that the feminist forces are alive and well! We've trailed the not-so-liberal terrains of Alabama and Georgia to meet with some extraordinary activists, community members, and vibrant students who are committed to going against the grain to see that social justice is achieved everywhere.
Coincidentally, as we visited the home states of Martin Luther King Jr. during the anniversary of his death, we were reminded of the significance of recommitting ourselves to building the "beloved community". That was our main objective as we sat down with University of Georgia's Women's Studies Student Organization, Georgia State University's Progressive Student Alliance, Spelman College Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance (FMLA), Emory University's Feminist in Action, Agnes Scott's Affinity, University of Montevallo FMLA,University of Alabama's women's studies graduate students and faculty, and Stillman College's administration! WHOA! That was a long list, but truly
evident of just a preview of the feminist support down bottom.These student groups have been planning a wide range of initiatives from reviving their campus group to challenging complacency around sexual and gender identity and race to peace and anti-war organizing, and so much more!
We had a grand ol' time and would love to return to visit with other southern schools, so if your a feminist student group, faculty or community member that's interested in connecting with our national feminist network, please contact us at campusteam@feminist.org.
Keep the feminist fire burning, and as always...the struggle continues!
No comments:
Post a Comment