Mu Sigma Upsilon Sorority, Incorporated Fall 2013

InsideWomen’s Issues:Texas - A Battleground for Reproductive Rights in the United States

Our Chapters:Jhansi, Haumea, Boétia

Sister Profiles

Mu Sigma Upsilon Sorority, Inc.National Governing Council

2013-2015

Zuly SalazarDestinidas

National President

Dagersy JaquezThemiskyra

National Vice President

Dudlyne DelianHaumea

National Secretary

Marisol RamirezMatriarca

National Treasurer

Jackie LopezAmazona

National Officer of Membership

Josie AcostaHaumea

National Officer of Expansion

Maria SanchezVathara

National New Chapter Advisor

Jennifer Rencher-Ndombi Siksika

National Historian

Sabrina ColónDhyani

National Officer of Communications

Monica GonzalezHaumea

National Step Director

Rosa SantanaDestinidas

National Officer of Community Affairs

Ely DuranLas Conquistadoras

National Officer of Public Relations

Denisse BabicheHasinai

National Programming Chair

Carlene PintoNysa

National Officer of Risk Management

From Our PresidentTo my lovely MU sisters,

It is my absolute pleasure and honor to serve as your National Governing Council President for the next two years, alongside my amazing board members. I would like to extend my gratitude to all those sisters who voted for me during the 2013

National Meeting, and I am humbled at this opportunity to live out one of my aspirations as a sister of Mu Sigma Upsilon Sorority, Incorporated.

For those who don’t know me; my name is Zuly Salazar and I crossed into the Destinidas Chapter (Bloomfield College, NJ) my sophomore year, Fall 2004 semester. Closely approaching my nine year anniversary as a sister, I look back at all the experiences and skills I have gained throughout my years as an active part of this beautiful sorority. I have been an active part of this organization in every sense of the word; I’ve held various positions on the executive board on both a chapter and district level. I have also dedicated my time towards committees, step/stroll team, workshop facilitator and have taken several roles within membership as a Chapter Officer of Membership, Assistant Officer of Membership and Big Sister. I have traveled to many different states to connect with sisters and hope to continue to do so. I am a fond believer that regardless of when or where a sister may have joined the organization, we are all equal. We all have a vision that can be shared and utilized to benefit MSU in some way or another; and in the end, the passion that we all share will touch all women across the world.

Overall, I would like to say that I am dedicated and enthusiastic to work with every sister, district and board member during my term, to deliver the best we can and continue positive progress for MSU. Through the challenges and hard times, I know I can depend on my sisters to keep me motivated and keep my flame burning; just as it did nine years ago when I became a sister of this beautiful sisterhood.

Thank you again for your time and dedication to MSU. Please continue to motivate one another and be kind to one another. Let’s keep exuding our three goals and touching people’s lives, one day at a time.

In Sisterhood,

Zuly SalazarNGC President 2013-2015

Mu Sigma Upsilon Sorority, Incorporated was founded on November 21, 1981, at Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ as the first multicultural minority Greek letter society in the nation.

Founding Mothers Eve Bracero, Lillian Sierra, Karinee Candelario, Ruth Gonzalez, Sylvia Vigo

The AmazonianOfficial newsletter of

Mu Sigma Upsilon Sorority, Inc

EditorSabrina Colón

National Officer of Communications

Contributing WritersElice Johnson, Lazuline ChapterYnanna Djehuty, Orisha Chapter

Josie Acosta, Haumea ChapterZuly Salazar, Destinidas Chapter

On the cover: Elice Johnson with two children from the

Baphumelele Children’s Home in South Africa.

The Amazonian is published three times a year. Send inquiries and

submissions to:

Communications@MSU1981.org

www.MSU1981.org

163 East Main Street #312Little Falls, NJ 07424

Inside this Issue1 Greek Unity: Upsilon Family Picnic

2 Cover Story: Discovering South Africa

6 Our Chapters: Jhansi, Haumea, Boétia

8 Sister Profiles: Khyrstal Hernandez, Adrienne Cummings

10 Women’s Issues: Texas - A Battleground for Reproductive Rights in the United States

13 Graduates & Chapter Achievements

Editor’s DeskWelcome to The Amazonian. I am so excited to unveil the new look of our newsletter.

In the past, The Amazonian was published sporadically throughout the year. Moving forward, my goal is to have this publication published three times a year to coincide with our three busiest seasons; fall, spring and summer. In order for this to be a success, I will need your contributions. I want to make sure we are providing news our sisters want to read and that will help them as both undergraduates and alumni. I plan to focus on women’s issues, cultural awareness and promoting the great things our sisters are doing every day.

We will be sticking to strict content deadlines in order to ensure we are timely with each issue, so be on the lookout for calls to sisters for content. I hope you enjoy reading!

In Sisterhood,

Sabrina ColónNational Officer of Communications

The Amazonian – Fall 2013 | 1

Greek Unity

Upsilon Family PicnicOn Saturday, August 24, 2013, the National Councils of Mu Sigma Upsilon Sorority, Incorporated and Lambda Sigma Upsilon Latino Fraternity, Incorporated joined efforts to host the first Upsilon Family Picnic at Washington Park in Union City, NJ. The gathering was a chance to commemorate our dear beloved Upsilon family and support one of our fraternity brothers as he copes with a tragic loss. Our brother Jairo and his wife Maylin lost their beautiful eight month old daughter Angelie as the result of a distracted driver.

As an Upsilon family, we mourn with the family and acknowledge the importance of driving without distractions. Over 100 people attended the event where “It Can Wait” bumper stickers were handed out to encourage others to eliminate disruptions when behind the wheel. The event also gave both organizations a chance to spend time with each other’s families, eat good food, dance and truly enjoy each other’s company.

Thank you to LSU Founding Father Nelson Gonzalez who attended the event, as well sisters and brothers from the 80’s, 90’s, 2000’s and neophytes of Spring 2013. We even had a fellow brother of Groove Phi Groove Social Fellowship Incorporated and his daughter join in our festivities. It was a sheer pleasure to see so many familiar and new faces, share some laughs, recall good memories and establish new friendships.

Click here to view more photos

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What was your greatest struggle as an American in South Africa?My greatest struggle as an American in South Africa was being a light-skinned African American in a country where people identified mostly as Black, White or Colored. Being put into one of three categories of race was confusing to me and I really did not feel like I “belonged.” I was the only African American in my house of seventeen, and to my knowledge the only

African American out of all the interns during my three months in Cape Town. I researched a lot about Apartheid prior to going and it made me nervous, because I was told by several Americans that I would be considered “Colored.” On my first day at my internship, one of my coworkers came up to me, asked me my name and the second question out of his mouth was, “are you a Colored?” My immediate response was, “yes,” because that is what I was told by other Americans

who have traveled to South Africa that is what I would be classified as. My coworker looked at me with wide eyes and excitement because he thought I was South African, and when I told him neither one of my parents are from South Africa, he was confused. I learned quickly that a person is only “Colored” if they are a South African native, not an African American. I felt so ignorant and slightly embarrassed after that conversation, but it opened my eyes and helped me see past my own

Molweni! Igama lam ngu Elice Johnson (Hello! My name is Elice Johnson). I graduated from Millersville University in May 2012 and made the decision to complete my final semester and field placement abroad in Cape Town, South Africa. I spent about 90 days there and it became my home away from home. I never realized how much I could learn in three short months. It felt like I lived there for years. My housemates became my family and support system. I was challenged every day by the stories I heard at my internship to trying to figure out what butter to buy at the grocery store. I decided to go abroad because I wanted to challenge myself in all areas of life; professional, personal and spiritual. I have accomplished this goal. I have been asked multiple questions about what I learned from my experience and can never come up with just one answer. I have answered eight of the many questions with a personal reflection about my experience while working as a “social worker” at Baphumelele Children’s home in the township of Khayelitsha. My experience in South Africa is something that I hold close to my heart and literally talk about every day; that’s how powerful this experience was to me.

Salani Kakuhle! (Stay Well)

Elice

The Amazonian – Fall 2013 | 3

insecurities about the color of my skin. It took me about three weeks to realize that, yes I was the only African American in the group, but that I was also the only person who still saw and was fully aware of each person’s race/ethnicity. I was an “American” and was treated just the same as any other intern who was not from South Africa. This was the first time in my life that only one person asked me what my ethnicity was; because here in America it is one of the first questions I am asked simply because I do not “look” like the typical African American.

What was the difference in available resources in the U.S. vs. South Africa for the population you worked with? The biggest resource difference I noticed was lack of money. Working at a children’s home requires a lot of money for the children’s school uniforms, shoes, school fees, supplies, food, etc. Here in the U.S., I noticed that there are more funding opportunities, sponsorships and donations. The children’s home received many clothing donations,

but shoes for the older girls were very rare and school fees were even harder to find. Most of the children love going to school and many of the adult caregivers encourage the children to finish school, because it is a way out of poverty. With lack of money, the children were also limited on attending outings to the zoo or museums. Other resources such as free health information sessions, medications, doctor visits and counseling resources were all available to the children at the children’s home. I went to South Africa with a certain image and limited knowledge of how social work is, and left with the knowledge that it is basically the same here in America; only in South Africa, social workers are in higher demand.

How has your experience in South Africa shaped your outlook on life?My experience in South Africa has changed the way I appreciate my life and all the small things I take for granted, like having a door on my bedroom or having more

than one toilet in my house. This experience has helped opened my eyes to see that no matter how much or how little a person may have (materialistic, money, food), if I keep a smile and a positive mind set, I can change the world. I was humbled by the children who continued to smile and enjoy life despite facing life-threatening illnesses such as HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis or experiencing trauma such as abuse and abandonment. I never thought I would learn so much from young children who did not even speak my language, but I learned that actions truly do speak louder than words. Through my observations of the women and children in the township of Khayelitsha, who are living in one bedroom shacks, sharing public toilets with hundreds of people, going to bed hungry because there was not enough food or they shared with a sibling, friend, neighbor, I learned that you can still be smiling the next day despite living in poverty. All of the South Africans I met throughout my journey have told me pieces or their personal

4 | Mu Sigma Upsilon Sorority, Inc.

story and I thought to myself, why are there so many days that I am so miserable in America? I have a roof over my head, my own bedroom, running water, a college education, food and clothing every day, but I was stuck on “why can’t I have this? Or I wish I had more of this.” After living in South Africa where my “luxuries” were limited for three months, my entire perception of the world has changed and I have gained a clearer, more mature understanding that anything besides food, water, clothing and shelter are a luxury to have, and it is possible to live happily without the latest version of an iPhone, fancy car, cable television or 10 pairs of shoes. The children at Baphumelele Children’s Home taught me that all I need is family (friends who become family), love

and basic necessities to truly be happy. After reading what many of the children experienced in their short eight to eighteen years of life, I could empathize with certain behaviors I dealt with, but I could also appreciate their desire to want to wake up and go to school every day or to teach their younger sibling everything they learned in school because one day he or she will also go to school. I did not meet one South African who said they were “bad, okay, terrible” when asked, “how are you?” The typical greeting was, “Molo, kunjani?” and the response was “ndiphilile, enkosi. Kuwe?” which translates to “Hi, how are you?” And the response, “I’m well, thank you, and how are you?” Even if a person just got stuck in a thunderstorm, they said, “ndiphilile”.

Has your experience made you a better person?My experience has forced me to gain a new level of maturity. With that comes an understanding of being an independent adult who is confident, accepting and determined to make a difference in at least one person’s life. I learned that I cannot change the world, save everyone, carry the weight of the world on my shoulders, and that Social Work was definitely the perfect field for me. This experience helped me grow personally, professionally and socially, which has made me a better sister, daughter, friend and social worker.

What did you love the most about your experience?I loved the drive to and from work

View from the top of Devil’s Peak, Cape Town, SA

The Amazonian – Fall 2013 | 5

the most for three reasons. The ride to work was full of anxious thoughts of what am I going to experience when I walk through the gate. The ride to work also helped me to just observe the “other side of paradise,” the Townships of Cape Town. I was able to be an observer and ask questions to one of several drivers who were all South African natives who lived in the Townships (How do the owners collect their cows and goats at the end of the night? How do the cows get out to roam free? Do you see a lot of dog fights? How come the trunk of the car is full of chickens? Why are the little taxis called “roaches?”). They always gave honest answers that usually followed a large amount of laughter for my silly questions, and I got to just appreciate how fortunate I was to be studying my last semester of college in South Africa. Finally, I loved driving back “home” from work to see the beautiful Table Mountain as a back drop, reminding me to take in the natural beauty of South Africa too.

What did you not like about your experience?I didn’t like the language barrier between myself and my clients. South Africa has 11 official languages. English is common but it was a different dialect than I was used to. Although I didn’t like this part of my experience, I turned it into a learning experience. I put myself in my client’s shoes and realized that as much as I cannot understand my clients, they cannot understand me either. I made a commitment to attend Ivy’s Xhosa lessons every Tuesday, even when I was tired and wanted to just relax after work, and learned about the Xhosa culture and basic phrases so I could have a better understanding

of my clients and show that I am making a small effort to communicate with them. I did not realize how much I would learn by sitting in the office listening to Xhosa for eight hours and attending lessons for one hour. I could understand a lot more than I thought. It took me a few times to perfect the four different clicks, and I mean the whole three months, but I was always commended and highly respected for trying.

Would you change anything about your experience?One thing I would change about my experience was to communicate more with my supervisor and really take advantage to talk to the other “Mamas” and hear how they ended up at the Children’s home. I was shy and a little intimidated by the language barrier when I got to my internship and it took me about a month before I opened up and started initiating conversations with colleagues. I also decided to stay close by my supervisor’s office because I did not want to miss out on an invitation into the community, but that was a rare occasion. I learned after almost two

months that the more questions I asked, the more my colleagues were willing to include me because they wanted to see me grow and take initiative for my own experience.

What did you learn from this experience?One of the many lessons I learned from this experience is that there are endless possibilities in life; the sky truly is the limit. I took away many personal lessons from this whole experience and that I think was the best lesson of all. I got to know who I am as a person; I am able to appreciate my life; I am able to look at the world through a different lens; I am able to share my story to inspire others to push themselves outside of their comfort zone. Best of all, I know that even if I never get to travel back to South Africa, I will always have the lessons from this experience to influence my personal and professional decisions.

The Townships of Cape Town, SA "the other side of paradise"

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Our Chapters

Founded on November 10th, 1996, the Jhansi Chapter has the distinctive privilege to call itself the first chapter outside of the state of New Jersey. Founded during a time in which Pennsylvania State University, University Park did not offer many diverse choices of Greek life for the female student population, seven women fought to

birth the Jhansi Chapter, providing woman of all walks of life an opportunity for real sisterhood.

Although the chapter lost its charter and remained dormant for 15 years, seven new women believed strongly enough in the principles set forth by Jhansi’s founders to embark on the year and a half journey to revive the chapter. All their hard work paid off in Spring 2013 with the birth of the Zenobia line.

These women have already made a huge impact at the University Park Campus and are determined to build a successful chapter. With four sisters graduating in May 2013 and only three left on campus, it is vital that the chapter receives as much support as possible from all of Mu Sigma Upsilon in order to increase membership and to continue the legacy.

“We would like to thank every sister of our beautiful organization for welcoming our chapter back. A special thank you to Josie Acosta, Joanne Garcia, Gianna Morris, Angie Matos, Davina Lopez, Mari Sol Fuentes, Maria Gallo, Katherine Cruz, Dolly Cuello and Ada Torres for guiding us through our expansion process. And last but not least, thank you to our beautiful Jhansi and Godasiyo Founding Sisters and Fellow Chapter sisters (Melisende Line) Lauren Dwyer, Ami Shah, Mindy Louise Pappas, Erika Del Moral, Stacy Casimiro, Marie McDonough, Chantal Almonord, Jessamine Roman and Amanda Mays for setting forth the foundation to our chapter,” Zenobia Line.

Debra Martinez, Tiffany Vargas, Gloria Santiago, Melany Cruz Rodriguez, Davina Lopez, Traci Jones, Blanca Villa, Michelle Carrigan

JhansiRekindling the Flame

The Haumea Chapter was founded March 15th, 2003 at the University of Central Florida to become the first chapter of Mu Sigma Upsilon in the southeastern region of the United States. Since then, Haumea has grown to become one of Mu Sigma Upsilon’s most

active chapters with sisters on every board level including the National Governing Council. Their Hi’aika Step & Stroll team has been a source of pride for the chapter; winning numerous competitions throughout the southeast. The Haumea Chapter superbly exemplifies the goals and traditions of Mu Sigma Upsilon through its many award winning programs and numerous recognitions for its contributions to MSU and the UCF Community. In 2004, sisters

from this chapter created the first Greek Seasons fashion show, an event hosted today by many MSU chapters nationwide.

Ten years later, the chapter is 46 sisters strong and proud of all they have accomplished for the chapter, the organization, the community, and most importantly as individuals. Today Haumea is comprised of women from 22 countries; United States, Haiti, France, Austria, Czech Republic,

HaumeaDiversity at Its Finest

The Amazonian – Fall 2013 | 7

Dominican Republic, China, Germany, Cuba, Peru, Mexico, Nicaragua, Ecuador, Scotland, Ireland, England, Africa, Jamaica, Korea, Trinidad and Tobago, Guatemala and Italy. Haumea

sisters have worked hard to become doctors, engineers, social workers, teachers, lawyers, nurses, mothers, cardiovascular perfusionists, physical therapists and speech pathologists to name a few. Another

point of pride for the chapter is their 46th sister, Mu Sigma Upsilon’s first legacy, Rosie Smith (FM Sylvia Vigo-Smith’s Daughter).

All in all, their greatest accomplishment is and shall always remain the strong sisterly bonds that have guided and supported them throughout the years. “We laugh, we fight, we cry, we challenge each other, we support each other, we are sisters in every definition of the word,” Haumea Chapter.

BoétiaPromoting Academic Excellence

The Boétia Chapter, established in 2011 at Georgia College & State University, believes that academic excellence is perhaps the most important of MSU’s three goals. Through higher education, they know they can empower all women and give them the tools to create a better world.

Founded in one of the poorest counties in Georgia, it has become the mission of the sisters of the Boétia Chapter to help make a difference in a young lady’s life. And as the Greek organization with the highest GPA, the sisters of Boétia knew they wanted to help make a difference by establishing the “Boétia Chapter Scholarship” in Fall 2011.

With the approval of Founding

Mothers Lillian Sierra and Sylvia Vigo-Smith, the scholarship questions and application process were created. To honor the organization and the strength of the women who compose it, the scholarship encourages the applicants to look within and discover their inner Amazon.

The scholarship is for $300, but an increase in amount is expected in the future. In order to

raise the funds for the award, the chapter holds a fundraiser called “trash wars” specifically designated for this purpose. It is with great pride and honor that a legacy of greatness created by our five founding mothers continues to be spread.

Pictured: Nicole Maragh, Sierra Butler, Dudlyne Delian, Camille Chong, Jessica Hoyos, Joanne Rabel, Christina Pacheco-Bates, Nicole Spaulding, Wendy Cherenfant, Ashley Brevil, Monica Gonzalez, Nicole Dickerson, Stephanie Maldonado, Ashley Hill, Marilyn V. Portilla, Raquel Valls, Josie Acosta

Pictured: Erica Corbitt, Shirain Banner, Laura Leon, Cheyenne Davis, Raisa Martinez, Janet Ortega, Karen Paz, Isabel Barajas, Jennifer Baukus, Victoria Eff

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Why did you choose to join Mu Sigma Upsilon?

I chose MSU for its sisterhood and family support. I came into college as a young minority who had no idea of what I wanted to do and lacked guidance. I come from a broken home and didn’t have strong bonds or support from my immediate family. When I came to NJCU I found those things in MSU. My sisters continue to be the FAMILY I always wanted, the family that I can constantly depend on and look for when I need guidance, a shoulder to cry on or a pick me up.

What is your most memorable part about being a sister of MSU?

As a part of the committee for the National Sisterhood Retreat, I was able to experience such an amazing weekend with empowering women. The weekend was definitely one of the most memorable times I will ever have as a sister. I was privileged to meet great women from our founder mothers, who established an amazing foundation in 1981, to our neos who just came into this organization with so much passion and open mindedness to learn new things. I am truly blessed to be a part of this wonderful sisterhood,

and I’m glad I was able to be a part of such a strong well rounded committee that brought this much needed event to MSU.

What significant contributions have you made to your chapter, university or community?

I continue to hold positions and provide support to my chapter. A significant contribution I have made to my chapter was being elected Vice President soon after I became a sister. I helped recruit passionate ladies, facilitated the T.I.A.R.A. Program and became Assistant Officer of Membership in Spring 2012. I am proud to have

helped teach them to become the passionate sisters they are now. Along with my chapter, we bring diversity to our campus and have received endless recognition for our

R.A.C.E program. We have even been asked to host R.A.C.E. as the final event for multicultural month every November. I am also proud of the fact that the Indigena Chapter has received the award for most community services done for the past two years.

Khyrstal Hernandez

Indigena ChapterSpring 2011

Sister ProfileUndergraduate

My sisters continue to be the FAMILY I always wanted, the family that I can constantly depend on and look for when I need guidance, a shoulder to cry on or a pick me up.

The Amazonian – Fall 2013 | 9

What drove you to found a chapter of MSU?

The Cornell University Greek system was very divided. As a young, black woman wanting to explore Greek life at Cornell, I was expected to look at the sororities under the National Pan-Hellenic Council. Although they had great goals and mission statements, I felt that there was something missing. I took the time to research other sororities and it felt like it wasn’t what I was looking for. My linesister, then just an acquaintance, told me about MSU; about it being different, and accepting women regardless of where they come from or what they looked like and it sparked my interest. She contacted MSU and two sisters, Lea Quiray (Narra, Fa ‘98) and Michelle Salacan (Concordia, Fa ‘99), travelled the distance to Ithaca, NY to provide us with an interest meeting and information. I can honestly say that taking their time to travel so many hours, their dedication and the way they spoke about and for MSU showed me that MSU had that something I was looking for and the something that the Cornell University Greek life needed.

Describe your medical condition.

I have End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or kidney failure. I was on dialysis from May 2006 until January 2008 when I had a kidney transplant. The transplant failed and I have been on dialysis since November 2008, but am currently

on the transplant list again. It has made me appreciate so much! I was in the hospital for six weeks and when I left, I couldn’t do much for myself. It was nearly six months before I could walk by myself again, and I’m appreciative that my family stayed by me and helped me throughout all of those tribulations.

Some people with ESRD don’t know that their kidneys have failed or they don’t have the opportunity to have dialysis or kidney transplantation. Something that I always take to heart is that there’s always someone in a worse situation and I should try and stay as positive as possible because I’m ‘unfortunately fortunate!’

How can MSU help you bring more awareness to this disease?

MSU in the future may hopefully vote on a philanthropy that helps to aid an organization that deals with kidney failure. Hopefully the end result will help sisters that may not know much about ESRD, learn more, as well as other supporters of MSU.

What has been your most memorable MSU experience?

It’s hard to narrow it down to just one experience. From having the opportunity to meet a Founding Mother, to spending hours in a car to meet sisters for the first time, every big moment to every little moment has been memorable.

Adrienne Cummings

Anansi ChapterFounding SisterSpring 2002

Sister ProfileAlumna

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A spirited pair of eyes greeted me warmly from across her desk as we prepared to speak about the one thing that united us regardless of not ever knowing each other before this moment.

“This is absolutely a war on women.”

Lyda Ness-Garcia is not exaggerating. July 2013 was a turbulent month for her and the women of Texas as events unfolded in the Texas legislature. Rick Perry and the Republican Party have been pushing for House Bill 2 (HB2), the sweeping and controversial abortion-regulations measure, to be passed. Unfortunately it was passed but not before Wendy Davis filibustered for 13 hours and 10,000 Texan women rose up to protest

and protect their reproductive rights. “It started with Texas and it ends with Texas,” she began as she told me about the history of the struggle with reproductive rights in the United States.

I recently relocated to Texas to train to become a midwife. Coming from New York, I’ve been aware of reproductive health justice for a couple of years now. Many people only think abortion and contraception when reproductive justice is mentioned. I was the same way until I became responsible for my own health. I got my first gynecological exam in college. Since then, I’ve had various providers give me annual exams. I have learned about birth control and have had fairly easy access to it. The difficulty of gaining access to adequate health

care became real to me when I had to start applying for public assistance after graduating from college. I suddenly had to care if my government insurance was going to cover not just contraception but all the services I need. I had to think critically about who to go to with limited choices available to me and why politics had anything to do with my reproductive health.

The most famous court case when speaking on reproductive rights is Roe V. Wade, the 1973 landmark case on the issue of abortion. In 1821, Connecticut passed the first state statute criminalizing abortion. Every state had abortion legislation by 1900. This legislation did not stop women from doing what they needed to do for themselves; the problem is and has been the ability to have a safe non-life threatening way of going about it. Under Roe V. Wade, whose ruling took place in Texas, the Supreme Court decided that abortion was a fundamental right under the Constitution. It was the case that divided the country into pro-life and pro-choice

Texas - A Battleground for Reproductive Rights in the United StatesYnanna Djehuty (Orisha), Correspondent for Voices of Our Future, Leading Citizen Journalism and Digital Empowerment Training Program

Women’s Issues

Lyda Ness-Garcia speaking at a rally in El Paso - courtesy Heriberto Ibarra Photography

The Amazonian – Fall 2013 | 11

camps, with pro-lifers tending to be Republicans and pro-choice being Democrats.

The issue has expanded further than abortion, with family planning and contraception access becoming an integral part of reproductive choices for women. These services have been available in women’s health clinics that usually are free to low-cost, vital for women who would not be able to otherwise afford gynecological care, family planning counseling, mammograms and other services. The sad part is that while Roe V. Wade allowed safe abortions to exist, pro-life conservatives and the pro-life organization ALEC, the American Legislative Exchange Council’s sister organization AUL, Americans United for Life, are dedicated to writing legislation that would make access to abortions harder for women. The HB 2 bill came from AUL.

While Texas is in the spotlight, it is but a microcosm of a huge wave of state legislation that has been designed to limit choices and access to healthcare for women. Moreover, these so-called pro-lifers are only concerned with life before it is born; the Republican Party has shown no interest in providing social services, access to health care, prenatal care, and comprehensive education. The bill passed would close all but five women’s health clinics in the entire state, leaving thousands of women without accessible healthcare - annual exams, pap smears, mammograms, family planning, and STD testing. It would ban all abortions after 20 weeks, require all abortion providers to have admitting privileges at a hospital within 30 miles, ban tele-medical abortions, and require all abortion clinics to be licensed as ambulatory surgical centers, which

would reduce numbers of sites.

The potential bad news doesn’t stop at state borders. Texas has been a battleground state politically because of the influence it has on other state legislation. Texas is the barometer for the way many things in the country will go. “So goes Texas, so goes the nation.”

Lyda began by telling me her own personal story around the effects of having the ability to choose. She is an attorney in family law specializing in divorces, custody, child support, enforcement and Child Protective Services cases. She is also a mother of three beautiful children and the cofounder of Stand With El Paso Women with Andra Ury Litton. Her experiences with her reproductive health have helped her understand how important the power of choice is. When she gave birth, she experienced two cesarean sections because, like many women in this country, she trusted the judgment and knowledge of the obstetrician. For her third birth, she had educated herself and was influenced by watching The Business of Being Born to have a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) home birth. She was able to make a choice for herself that empowered her. It was for her “the most feminist empowering moment” to give birth at home. Though the issue is masked with the ever delicate subject of abortion, the real problem at hand is that enforcing all the restrictive guidelines in HB2 would mean millions of Texan women, particularly impoverished and marginalized women, would lose access to reproductive health services that they would not have otherwise.

“It has to do with a woman’s right to all her choices,” Lyda went on, as she spoke about the rally that led to the creation of the grassroots

political action committee, Stand with El Paso Women, supporting women’s rights through political action and supporting pro-women candidates. In helping to channel the energy of the rally through thought-provoking and inspiring words, the event included an invocation from a pastor, speeches from professors and local politicians, and powerful testimonials by women present that made it clear how horrific it would be to have the few clinics that exist in El Paso disappear. “An 81 year old woman gave a testimonial,” recounted Lyda, “and said, this was the clinic that discovered my breast cancer.”

It is stories like this that the Texan government seems to be ignoring. Prior to the HB2 bill being passed, Rick Perry was responsible for a $73 billion cut in funding for health services, mental health services, Medicaid and other social services. These cuts closed Planned Parenthood in El Paso back in 2011. With her work as a child abuse and family lawyer, Lyda sees the effects of the Texan government not supporting its constituents’ needs. “The GOP needs to put its money where its mouth is,” Lyda scoffed as we discussed how “concerned” they seem to be about the unborn but have no respect for what happens after children come into the world. Rick Perry promotes policies that erode access to healthcare for women. He slashed funding for family planning by 66%, cutting access to healthcare for nearly 300,000 women. He has worked with allies in Texas legislature to end successful sex education programming, so that 94 percent of school districts have abstinence-only curriculums. This contributes to Texas having the 4th highest teen pregnancy rate in the United States, as well as having

12 | Mu Sigma Upsilon Sorority, Inc.

1.4 million uninsured children. Republicans are not truly pro-life at all.

What is happening in the Texas government and other states attempting to pass similar bills is evidence that the United States is failing to meet its human rights obligation to provide equal access to reproductive healthcare. This issue has been brought to the United Nations Human Rights Council about the dramatic disparities in access to safe abortions, contraception, pregnancy care, STD screening and more. Lyda made it clear that the measures taken in July would most negatively impact impoverished and marginalized women. The closest clinic, if the clinics in El Paso close, is in San Antonio - eight to 10 hours driving. Most women would be unable to make this journey and probably not seek health services at all.

“There are a lot of pissed off women in Texas,” Lyda declared as she shared how women around the state came out in droves to the capitol to protest the passing of HB2. About 10,000 women showed up during the special second session Rick Perry called after the Texas legislature was unable to shut down Wendy Davis’ filibuster and were unsuccessful in forcing the vote that night. They ended up voting on the bill in a private room amid the furious women raising their voices. “I hope this is a wakeup call,” she continued as the discussion turned

to what was next for Texan women. The next step would be the filing of a lawsuit against the state of Texas, with the American College

of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the Texans Hospital Association and other organizations fighting to prevent the bill’s restrictions from becoming a complete reality come October 2014.

“It’s not going away,” she said after some silence. The solution is to get pro-women legislators in office. There is a general sense of political apathy in El Paso; with the climate the way it is in Texas and the United States, it is of the utmost importance to make the voice of the masses heard. Next year will be a local election year and also when the presidential candidates for the United States will start to campaign for 2016. Unfortunately, Rick Perry is planning to run for President so more than ever, a battleground state like Texas needs to go from red to blue - from Republican to Democrat.

The time is now to shake women and families out of political apathy. Organizing groups like Stand with El Paso Women are an effective strategy in channeling the energy of women into action. Giving women the floor to share their journeys with their reproductive health creates common ground among individuals who would otherwise see each other as different. It is important, not just in Texas but in all American communities, to organize on a local level. Often the focus is on primary elections but fighting to get the right people in assembly, city council and legislative position is vital. Another strategy would use media to educate.

The Business of Being Born, a 2007 film, for example, has had a profound effect on Lyda and many women in the United States. Producing documentaries, short films and various images to reach the sleeping giant of unengaged voters is a powerful tool for change.

We must meet people where they are. Grassroots efforts, part of which include door-knocking and having face-to-face conversations with members of the community, drive the issues home. It is one of the strategies that got President Barack Obama elected. He not only received support on a corporate level but also from ordinary people donating and rallying in their communities. We have been led into thinking that our voice and our efforts do not matter; one only has to look back 100 years into our history to see what happens when people mobilize to change the political climate. Women have rallied to gain the right to vote. African Americans went on a vigorous campaign for their civil rights and to empower the people with the knowledge that they are valuable. It took work but we have a lot to be thankful for because marginalized people were convinced they could make a change. We must mobilize and do the same.

As for me, a New Yorker in Texas, my job has become to talk passionately with as many people as I can. Writing and sharing information about unfolding events contributes to the rising voice of unrest in this state and in the world. If this is a war on women, women will rise as the warriors they are and claim what is theirs – the right to choose and determine their lives.

This article originally appeared on www.worldpulse.com

While Texas is in the spotlight, it is but a microcosm of a huge wave of state legislation that has been designed to limit choices and access to healthcare for women.

The Amazonian – Fall 2013 | 13

Master’s DegreeTaimy Heredia (Quinquatria Chapter)Lauren Hicks (Genesis Chapter)Roxanne Huertas (Abrianeme Chapter)Genesis Jimenez (Quinquatria Chapter)Vivianne Jimenez (Destinidas Chapter)Cindy LaBar (Aretias Chapter)Katherine Rivera (Orisha Chapter)Cynthia Rodriguez (Haumea Chapter)Essence Wilson (Zotikon Chapter)

Bachelor’s Degree Jelani Addams-Rosa (Themiskyra Chapter)Sierra Butler (Haumea Chapter)Michelle Carrigan (Jhansi Chapter)Danielle Croom (Lazuline Chapter)Kristin Delfino (Kimimela Chapter)Nicole Dickerson (Haumea Chapter)Felicia Gill (Kailasa Chapter)Samantha Gonzalez (Kimimela Chapter)Danielle Hall (Kimimela Chapter)Catherine Jimenez (Amazona Chapter)Traci Jones (Jhansi Chapter)Laura Leon (Boetia Chapter)Deneisha Lindsay (Concordia Chapter)Shamblee Marcella (Zotikon Chapter)Shana Martin (Ionia Chapter)Modesty Martinez (Nysa Chapter)Raisa Martinez (Boétia Chapter)Nyambura Mbugua (Themiskyra Chapter)Tiana Mijatovic (Kimimela Chapter)Daphnie Montoya (Vathara Chapter)Esperanza Pacheco (Yemaya Chapter)Nicole Parisse (Ionia Chapter)Shade Pichardo (Zaona Chapter)Kelly Rembert (Zotikon Chapter)Natacha Reyes (Lazuline Chapter)Catherine Rivas (Abrianeme Chapter)

Pamela Rivera (Kimimela Chapter)Shakira Rivera (Evadne Chapter)Christina Robles (Evadne Chapter)Jamie Ruiz (Mosaic Chapter)Eva Russo (Kailasa Chapter)Mariangeles Sanchez (Aborigena Chapter)Jesenia Santiago (Lazuline Chapter)Samantha Soto (Yemaya Chapter)Chelsea Stewart (Kimimela Chapter)Ada Torres (Rhea Chapter)Jonancy Torres (Nysa Chapter)Alynne Trujillo (Zaona Chapter)Jennifer Tsuchie (Themiskyra Chapter)Blanca Villa (Jhansi Chapter)Kashima Washington (Siksika Chapter)Leah White (Kailasa Chapter)Rose Willmary (Kumi Chapter)

ChapterAchievements

Katherine Rivera

Pamela Rivera, Samantha Gonzalez, Danielle Hall

SiksikaWilliam Paterson University

Outstanding Social Event for R.A.C.E. - WPU Greek Senate 2013Most Improved Chapter Award - WPU Greek Senate 2013Most Community Service Hours - WPU UCGC 2013Highest GPA - WPU UCGC FALL 2012“Umoja Award” from the African Heritage Celebration Committee

in February 2013Kayla Prins - Dean’s List Fall 2012Karimah Prescott - Campus Activities and Student Leadership

Award 2013Karimah Prescott - Who’s Who Among Students in American

Colleges and Universities 2012-2013Karimah Prescott - “Umoja Award” from the African Heritage

Celebration Committee

ConcordiaUniversity of Connecticut

Excellence in Leadership Development, 2013 Fraternity and Sorority Life Arête Awards

Best Cultural Event, R.A.C.E., Intercultural Greek Council 2013 Awards

Best Collaborative Event, Stroll for a Cause with LAU, Intercultural Greek Council 2013 Awards

2012-2013 Graduates

The Siksika Chapter of Mu Sigma Upsilon Sorority, Inc. at William Paterson University is proud to be celebrating its 30th Diamond Anniversary on November 30, 2013. Our very own Founding Sisters are making the trip to New Jersey to celebrate 30 years of what was just a vision to them back in 1983. Founding Sister Brenda Rodriguez will join us from Florida, while Founding Sister Lachelle Uzcateguigaymon will make the long journey from Australia, the country she now calls home. These ladies had an outstanding vision, great dedication and commitment and 30 years later, that has not changed. They have been an instrumental source of inspiration and success to us all.

The Siksika banquet planning committee has been enthusiastically working on creating a memorable evening. The event will be hosted at The Bethwood located at 38 Lackawanna Ave. Totowa, NJ 07512. We will enjoy a delicious sit down dinner with a full open bar all night. A DJ will be providing a variety of music to represent our diverse backgrounds and the different generations within the chapter, from the 80s, 90s, and the new MUllennium. It will be a night to make unforgettable memories full of dancing, laughing, reconnecting with old friends and making new ones.

Many of you from different chapters have played a role in the Siksika Chapter in one way or another. Whether it was supporting our events, creating sisterhood bonds, going through the orientation process together, whatever it was we also want to thank you. All of Mu Sigma Upsilon’s chapters are very special to us in Siksika and we ask you to please join us in the festivities. This is a celebration of 30 years of dedication, commitment and hard work for an organization that we all believe in. We believe in what MSU stands for, its goals and more importantly its sisters.

In addition, the Siksika Chapter will also be sponsoring a history workshop in collaboration with Founding Fathers and Brothers of Lambda Sigma Upsilon Latino Fraternity, Incorporated. This event will be hosted on Friday, November 29, 2013 at The Fairbridge Inn & Suites in Fairfield. More details will follow.

The Fairbridge Inn & Suites in Fairfield is also the hotel where we have a total of 30 rooms reserved for the night of the actual banquet. The hotel is offering a king, queen or double occupancy at $99+tax per night. Breakfast will be included from 7am-10am. There will be a shuttle service provided to take us to and from the banquet hall. More importantly this is also the place where we will have the AFTER PARTY! Make your hotel reservations by calling 973-256-7700 and mention MSU-Siksika 30th Banquet to get the special rate.

Ticket Prices: $90/ppTo purchase your tickets go to: http://www.paypal.com

The

Siksika Chapter

at William Paterson University

would like to cordially invite you to

Join us on

Saturday, November 30th, 2013

as we celebrate 30 years of dedication and

achievement. Let us recognize all those that have

paved the way for many generations to come.

Diamond Anniversary Banquet

Place of Celebration:

The Bethwood

38 Lackawanna Ave. Totowa, NJ 07512

Time: 8 p.m. until 12 a.m.

Early Bird Special $75/pp (until March 2013)

Discounted Price: $85/pp (April 2013 thru August 2013)

General Pricing: $90/pp

TheSiksika Chapter

at William Paterson University would like to cordially invite you to Join us on Saturday, November 30th, 2013 as we celebrate 30 years of dedication and achievement. Let us recognize all those that have paved the way for many generations to come.

Diamond Anniversary Banquet Place of Celebration: The Bethwood

38 Lackawanna Ave. Totowa, NJ 07512Time: 8 p.m. until 12 a.m.Early Bird Special $75/pp (until March 2013)

Discounted Price: $85/pp (April 2013 thru August 2013)General Pricing: $90/pp