Founded in 1974, the Women’s Center was established to:
Dismantle, from a feminist perspective, all forms of oppression, including but not limited to those based on ability, age, class, ethnicity, gender, race, and sexual orientation.
Advocate for an equitable environment free from violence and harassment based on gender, race, and sexual orientation.
Create an anti-racist, non-sexist, queer-affirmative space where all people can feel valued and safe.
Facilitate and strengthen connections among people across lines of difference through programming and educational campaigns.
Integrate an appreciation of Women's Gender and Multicultural Studies across the disciplines.


Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Block Solidarity Week

Greetings earthlings, I've always wanted to say that, welcome to the world of all things equitable. Now I say this because as a center who aims for inclusiveness, we try to embody any and everything that involves raising awareness or educating others on a specific issue, topic, or people. Next week is black solidarity week here at Ramapo; there will be an event happening all next week from November 3rd, - November 8th.
"Black Solidarity Week began as a single day, inspired by Douglas Turner Ward's play, "A Day of Absence." Ward's play explored the impact of the disappearance of blacks from economic, social, and political systems for one day. The first Black Solidarity Day encouraged blacks to stay home all day to simulate the effect of the book. Today, the week long events is a time to celebrate and discuss black culture, politics, and social issues. " 
Here is a breakdown of the events that will take place:

  • Sunday Nov. 3rd- Annual Hopper Slave Cemetery Clean-Up, 9am-12pm
    • Breakfast will be provided in the BSU office before people walk down to the cemetery and rake leaves and clean the area for the silent vigil on Monday. Sponsored by BSU.
  • Monday Nov. 4th- The Silent Vigil and walk to Hopper Slave Cemetery, 12:30pm-2pm
    • Will depart from the Arch at 12:30pm; all participants should dress in black in remembrance for those who have passed, gather in silence, and throw offerings of fruit and water into the lake. There will be a discussion reflection of the experience followed by performances by Ramapo students. Sponsored by BSU.
  • Monday Nov. 4th- Black Solidarity Week Opening Banquet, 4:30pm-6:30pm Friend's Hall
    • Motivational speaker Mr. Gemar Mills, will be the keynote. Sponsored by BSU. 
  • Monday Nov. 4th- Chiku Awali, 7:30pm-9pm J'Lees
    • An African dance workshop which will include a performance of African drumming, dance workshop with dance step movements. Sponsored by S.O.C.A. 
  • Tuesday Nov. 5th- Black Hair Politics 1-2pm Student Center 2nd floor, 7pm-9pm J'lees
    • This event will feature a tabling of a guest speaker who will provide techniques on proper hair care for different textures of hair, following that will provide a controversial discussion in the evening, on the stigmas and misconceptions of black hair. Sponsored by Ebony Women for Social Change and co-sponsored with The Women's Center.
  • Wednesday Nov. 6th- Afro-Peruvian Dance Performance 8pm Pavilion
    • An Afro-Peruvian dance group based in Paterson, NJ will come and perform several pieces with its connection to African history and the symbolic meaning behind each piece, an interactive dance workshop will follow. Sponsored by O.L.U. and co-sponsored with Beta Kappa Sigma Sorority and The Women's Center.
  • Thursday Nov. 7th- The Black Business Showcase 5pm-8pm Friend's Hall
    • Business owners and professionals will be present to provide insight and knowledge on a variety of frontiers about black owned businesses. Sponsored by BSU.
  • Thursday Nov. 7th- Shades of Black, "When Did the Divide Occur?" 9pm-11pm B224
    • An open discussion about the "light skin v. dark skin" phenomenon. Sponsored by BMAD.
  • Friday Nov. 8th- Closing Lunch, 12pm-2pm York Room
    • A time to reflect on the week of events and their impact. Sponsored by BSU.
  • Friday Nov. 8th- The Black & Sexy Party, 9pm-2am Friend's Hall
    • a party fundraiser which will conclude Black Solidarity Week. Sponsored by O.A.U. and Beta Kappa Sigma Sorority. 
If you aren't doing anything during these times, please come out and educate yourself, spread awareness on these topics and events and become enlightened!
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